Tolerance (2017)

Name: Tolerance (2017)
ISBN: 9787505739086

Hendrik Willem van LoonChina Friendship Publishing Company · ChinaNov 2017

4.0

Word count: 207K words
Chapters: 33
ISBN: 9787505739086

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Summary

From a humanist standpoint and with all humanity in view, Van Loon reexamines the transformation of human civilization over millennia—from prehistoric times through ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance to the modern age—tracing the ceaseless struggle between good and evil, darkness and light, progress and reaction, and sketching a sweeping history of humanity's intellectual emancipation. Van Loon recasts a European "history of intellectual emancipation" as a history of the struggle between tolerance and bigotry. Moving among the clashes between humanity's own tolerance and intolerance, virtue and reality, he probes the causes of humanity's spiritual "intolerance" and recounts the dramatic saga of human striving and self-redemption. Van Loon holds that tolerance means "live and let live," advocates reason and tolerance in place of ignorance and bigotry, and argues that only by dispelling its own fears can humanity root out intolerance. This is a popular history of the development of human thought that has sold well for nearly a century, a humanist classic on tolerance and free thought.

Editor's review

Tolerance is a classic humanist work by the Dutch-American author Hendrik Willem van Loon, first published in 1925. Rather than a strict work of academic history, it is a profound essay collection that uses history as its thread to explore humanity's intellectual freedom and the spirit of tolerance. In his characteristic plain style and sharp irony, Van Loon traces the long history of persecution of dissenters driven by bigotry, ignorance, and fear, from ancient Greece to modern Europe. He reveals that intolerance often stems from humanity's fear of the unknown and blind insistence on its own rightness. In today's world, where conflicts and misunderstandings among civilizations and ideologies persist, Van Loon's work is like a mirror across time, reminding us that tolerance is not weakness but a cornerstone of civilization that requires reason and courage to uphold. Reading this book not only nourishes historical knowledge but also prompts deep reflection on one's own prejudices and on coexistence in a pluralistic society. The 2017 Chinese edition brings this enduring work to a new generation of readers, its value all the more evident in an age of information overload and polarized views.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers interested in the history of Western thought, religion, and social development
Thinkers seeking to understand the deeper causes of today's cultural conflicts and dialogue
Literature lovers who appreciate writing that carries profound philosophy through vivid stories
Young students hoping to cultivate critical thinking and an inclusive, pluralistic mindset

Not a good fit for

Readers expecting a detailed compilation of historical facts strictly arranged in chronological order
Pragmatic readers seeking quick answers or clear action guides

Reading tips

Read alongside Van Loon's The Story of Mankind and other works for a fuller understanding of his view of history and humanist concern
Don't get bogged down in details of specific historical facts; focus instead on how Van Loon distills universal propositions about human nature from historical events
As you read, reflect in light of current social news or your own experience to appreciate the contemporary relevance of "tolerance"

About the publisher

China Friendship Publishing Company China · Founded in 1983

China Friendship Publishing Company is a comprehensive publisher known for its literary titles, covering classical Chinese literature, foreign literature, folk literature and cultural appreciation. According to the books in the database, its classical list includes celebrated dramas and novels such as The Peony Pavilion, The Romance of the Western Chamber and Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, as well as note-style classics like Hong Mai's Rongzhai Suibi. In foreign literature it offers translations of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, Kawabata Yasunari's Snow Country and Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl, involving translators such as Zeng Siyi. It also publishes The Complete Literary Works of Lu Xun and titles associated with the "Xue'er Shuguan" editorial group, balancing the collation and popularization of classic texts. Public information on its publishing features and plans is limited; the above is summarized only from the books in the database.

版权信息
序言
第一章蒙昧的暴虐
第二章希腊人
第三章约束的开始
第四章上帝之光
第五章禁锢
第六章生活的纯洁
第七章宗教法庭
第八章艰难求知的人
第九章书籍的灾难
第十章关于这本一般历史书籍的写作
第十一章文艺复兴
第十二章基督教改革
第十三章伊拉斯谟
第十四章拉伯雷
第十五章旧时代的新招牌
第十六章再洗礼教徒
第十七章索奇尼一家
第十八章蒙田
第十九章阿明尼乌
第二十章布鲁诺
第二十一章斯宾诺莎
第二十二章新的乐园
第二十三章太阳国王
第二十四章腓特烈大帝
第二十五章伏尔泰
第二十六章百科全书
第二十七章革命的专制
第二十八章莱辛
第二十九章汤姆·佩恩
第三十章最后的百年
后记但是，这并不是一个幸福的世界

FAQ

How is this book rated on Douban?

Hendrik Willem van Loon's Tolerance enjoys high praise on Douban, with combined ratings across editions above 8.5. It is regarded as a classic introductory work in the humanities and social sciences, widely praised for its profound themes and accessible narrative.

What kind of writer is Van Loon?

Hendrik Willem van Loon was a renowned 20th-century Dutch-American writer and historian. He was known for introducing history and science to the general public in plain, lively, and witty prose. Works such as The Story of Mankind and Tolerance have had a lasting influence, aiming to popularize humanist thought and promote understanding and tolerance.

What are the features of the 2017 edition?

The 2017 edition, published by China Friendship Publishing Company, is a reissue based on the classic text. It generally contains the complete original content and may include an introduction or publisher's note, aiming to help contemporary Chinese readers better understand and embrace the core ideas of this classic work. It is one of the reliable channels for encountering Van Loon's thought.

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About the author

Hendrik Willem van Loon Author · United States · 1882–1944

Hendrik Willem van Loon (1882–1944) was a Dutch-American writer and historian known for his popular works on history and the humanities. He rose to fame in 1921 with The Story of Mankind and continued writing for general readers; this catalog includes 49 of his works. Representative titles include The Story of Mankind, Tolerance, The Story of the Bible, The Home of Mankind, and Van Loon's Geography, along with collected classics and adapted editions for young readers. His writing spans world history, foreign literature, popular science, philosophy, and inspirational growth, and he was skilled at presenting complex historical developments and humanistic knowledge to a broad audience in clear, lively prose that is both informative and readable. His works have circulated widely and remain accessible introductions to Western history and culture. Public information about his detailed biography is limited, so it is not elaborated here.