Meaning: The quote by Auberon Herbert touches on the idea of restoring the traditional responsibilities and duties of a father to the workmen, which have been encroached upon by the state. It suggests that the solution lies in the rejection of forced contributions and the encouragement of voluntary cooperation among the workmen.

Auberon Herbert was a prominent libertarian writer and politician in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a staunch advocate for individual liberty and limited government intervention in people's lives. In this quote, he addresses the relationship between workmen, the state, and the concept of voluntary cooperation.

The first part of the quote refers to the idea that the state has intervened in the traditional roles and responsibilities of fathers, particularly in the context of work and labor. This could be interpreted as a critique of the increasing influence of the state in regulating and shaping the dynamics of labor and work relationships. Herbert argues that the restoration of these traditional duties and responsibilities is necessary for the well-being of the workmen.

The phrase "forced contributions from others" likely alludes to the idea of taxation or other forms of mandatory financial support for certain social or governmental programs. Herbert's libertarian beliefs are reflected in his emphasis on the rejection of such forced contributions, as he believed in the right of individuals to keep the fruits of their labor and to decide voluntarily how to allocate their resources.

The second part of the quote advocates for workmen to "do their own work through their own voluntary combinations." This suggests that Herbert believed in the power of voluntary cooperation and association among individuals, rather than relying on external mandates or interventions. He likely saw voluntary combinations as a way for individuals to collectively pursue their interests and goals without the coercion of external forces, whether they be from the state or other entities.

Herbert's emphasis on voluntary cooperation aligns with his broader libertarian philosophy, which prioritizes individual freedom and voluntary interaction over state-imposed mandates. He believed that individuals should have the autonomy to make their own choices and to form voluntary associations based on mutual consent and agreement.

In conclusion, Auberon Herbert's quote encapsulates his libertarian perspective on the relationship between workmen, the state, and voluntary cooperation. He advocates for the restoration of traditional responsibilities and the rejection of forced contributions, while promoting the idea of voluntary combinations as a means for individuals to pursue their work and interests. Herbert's ideas continue to resonate with those who prioritize individual liberty and voluntary cooperation in societal and economic interactions.