One of our worst traits in journalism is that when we have a narrative in our minds, we often plug in anecdotes that confirm it. Thus we managed to portray President Gerald Ford, a first-rate athlete, as a klutz.
Nicholas KristofRead
The great divide is not between faiths, but one between intolerant zealots of any tradition and the large numbers of decent, peaceful believers likewise found in each tradition.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that the real division in society is not among different faiths, but between intolerant individuals and the peaceful majority within those faiths.
Nicholas Kristof's quote highlights the idea that the conflicts and divisions we often see in society are not inherent to the different religions or belief systems themselves. Instead, the true divide exists between those who are intolerant and extremist—zealots who misinterpret their traditions—and the vast majority of individuals who practice their faith peacefully and decently, showing that coexistence is possible regardless of belief differences.
Themes
FaithIntolerancePeaceBeliefsZealots
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in interfaith dialogues to promote understanding and tolerance.
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