In short, we need to recover the courage we celebrate in our heroes, and in particular, the courage to tolerate, for the sake of a free society, a level of risk we hardly ever imagined in the past.

The quote "In short, we need to recover the courage we celebrate in our heroes, and in particular, the courage to tolerate, for the sake of a free society, a level of risk we hardly ever imagined in the past" by Daniel Dennett calls for a revival of the kind of courage that has historically been admired in heroes. Dennett argues that to preserve a free society, we must be willing to face risks—risks that were perhaps unimaginable in previous times. This suggests that freedom often requires taking on uncertainty and stepping into unknown or uncomfortable territories, even if it feels more challenging than it once did.

Dennett's emphasis on tolerance highlights the importance of accepting risks as a necessary part of a thriving society. Tolerating risks doesn’t mean being reckless, but rather having the courage to handle uncertainty while maintaining the values that uphold freedom and democracy. He suggests that as society evolves, we may have become more risk-averse, and in doing so, we might be sacrificing some of the bravery that has historically driven societal progress.

As a philosopher, Dennett often engages with the complexities of human consciousness, free will, and the evolution of societies. His quote reflects his belief in the importance of intellectual courage and moral fortitude in the face of uncertainty. He warns against overprotectiveness and urges that part of living in a free society is the willingness to confront difficult situations and embrace challenges that can lead to growth and change.

Ultimately, the quote is a call to action, urging individuals to embody the courage that allows societies to evolve and flourish. By tolerating a certain level of risk, society can continue to evolve, and individuals can uphold the freedoms that have been hard-won. It’s a reminder that true freedom comes with the willingness to face challenges head-on, even when those challenges seem daunting.