In "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky discusses the importance of mutual toleration in politics, emphasizing that while election outcomes can evoke strong emotional responses, such as tears when a favored candidate loses, these feelings should not lead to extreme reactions. He highlights that citizens and politicians must understand that disagreements are an inherent part of democratic processes and should accept differing views without perceiving them as threats to democracy itself.

Levitsky underscores that mutual toleration involves a collective acknowledgment among political actors that competing parties can exist and contest elections without resorting to hostility. This principle is crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy, as it fosters respect for opponents and encourages peaceful transitions of power, reinforcing the idea that political rivalry should not escalate into personal enmity or a disregard for democratic norms.