Who said “Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind; it requires the same effort of the brain…”?

Verified

Helen Keller. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Story of My Life (1903)

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“Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind; it requires the same effort of the brain that it takes to balance oneself on a bicycle.”
— Helen Keller
VerifiedThe Story of My Life (1903) · evidenceTolerance

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Story of My Life (1903).

APA

Keller, H. (n.d.). Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind; it requires the same effort of the brain that it takes to balance oneself on a bicycle. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/33220-toleration-is-the-greatest-gift-of-the-mind/

MLA

Keller, Helen. “Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind; it requires the same effort of the brain that it takes to balance oneself on a bicycle.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/33220-toleration-is-the-greatest-gift-of-the-mind/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Keller, Helen. “Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind; it requires the same effort of the brain that it takes to balance oneself on a bicycle.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/33220-toleration-is-the-greatest-gift-of-the-mind/.

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“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
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“Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.”
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