Reform succeeds or dies depending on group tolerance of individual dissent.

Evidence

The assertion by the individual of his own opinions and beliefs, his own independence and interest—over and against group standards, group authority, and group interests—is the beginning of all reform. But whether the reform will continue depends upon what scope the group affords for such individual assertion. If the group is tolerant and fair-minded in dealing with such individuals, they will continue to assert, and in the end will succeed in converting their fellows. On the other hand if the group is intolerant, and does not bother about the means it adopts to stifle such individuals, they will perish and the reform will die out. — Ambedkar, B R, Annihilation of Caste_ The Annotated…, 897

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Opponents can kill a reform by insisting on individual-case exceptions — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the…, 352