When you think about it, the word "tolerate" can mean a lot of different things. Look at the first three meanings of this word, according to the American Heritage Dictionary:

1. To allow without prohibiting or opposing; permit.
2. To recognize and respect (the rights, beliefs, or practices of others).
3. To put up with; endure.

The second meaning is probably what you think of when you hear people say "let's all tolerate different ways of seeing things." But when you accept others, you're going a step further. It's more than just not attacking someone else's ideas, beliefs, appearance, etc. It's about allowing for people’s differences and recognizing others as human beings, with equal rights and responsibilities.

Remember that when we talk about accepting people, we're not talking about approving of everything that others do. Sometimes you’ll simply disagree with something a person does. For example, if you're a vegetarian you might see someone eating a hamburger and find it pretty disgusting. But that doesn't mean that you should assume that the person is evil! Accepting others has more to do about understanding that not everyone sees the world in the same way as you. Think of it as separating the person from the behavior. But of course you shouldn't accept it when people do things that hurt themselves, other people, the environment, etc. When behavior becomes harmful, it’s not something to be accepted or even tolerated.