“But such is the nature of the concept of tolerance. It evolves. Every generation puts its own limitations on it, and the clashes that define a given generation seem in many respects to be over the question of who and what that generation tolerates.” LiberalismTolerationAmsterdam17th Century Author:Russel Shorto
“The evolution of Polak's ideas had a great deal to do with the fact that he was a Jew. Like Jews elsewhere, those in Amsterdam kept a low profile; they were predominantly workers, and so they were attracted to the socialist program of fairness and decency. But they were deeply repelled by the idea of revolution. They knew from centuries of experience which group would become the scapegoat if things turned out badly. Polak read widely and while in England was influenced by the Fabian Society, which promoted a moderate path between socialism and capitalism. He cofounded the Dutch diamond worker's union (whose members were overwhelmingly Jewish) and became its chairman. From that perch he was able to put his ideas into practice. He wanted not only decent housing for workers but something more: beauty, a genuinely good life.” AmsterdamTrade UnionsHenri Polak Author:Russel Shorto
“The rivalry was so intense that English pamphleteers competed with one another to come up with ever more lurid headlines about the Dutch. (My favourite of these: "The Dutch-mens Pedigree; Or, A Relation Shewing How They Were First Bred and Descended froma Horse-Turd Which Was Enclosed in a Butter-Box.)” Netherlands17th CenturyPamphlets Author:Russel Shorto