To be tolerant of others and their choices while expecting the same tolerance in return; to avoid interfering in others' affairs.
This phrase appeared in English by the 1600s, but the concept is much older, appearing in various forms across cultures. The Dutch had a similar saying 'leven en laten leven,' and the idea reflects a fundamental principle of mutual tolerance. It became particularly popular during the Enlightenment era as religious and political tolerance became valued ideals.
The phrase embodies a sophisticated philosophy of coexistence that's both simple and profound - it suggests that the best way to preserve your own freedom is to respect others'. Interestingly, it's often cited in discussions about everything from international diplomacy to neighborhood disputes, showing how a basic principle can scale from personal to global levels.
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