Meaning: This quote by Auberon Herbert encapsulates the idea that positive change in society cannot be achieved through force, but rather through reason, influence, example, effort, and personal sacrifice. Auberon Herbert was a British writer, theorist, and politician known for his advocacy of voluntaryism, a political philosophy that emphasizes the importance of voluntary cooperation and rejects the use of coercion. In this quote, he emphasizes the futility of using force to mend the flaws in civilization and suggests alternative means to bring about positive change.

The first part of the quote, "If we cannot by reason, by influence, by example, by strenuous effort, and by personal sacrifice, mend the bad places of civilization," highlights the various non-coercive methods that can be employed to address societal issues. Reason refers to the power of logical and rational thinking to persuade and convince others of the need for change. Influence involves the ability to inspire and motivate others to work towards a common goal. By setting a positive example, individuals can demonstrate the values and behaviors they wish to see in society, encouraging others to follow suit. Strenuous effort underscores the importance of hard work and dedication in effecting meaningful change, while personal sacrifice suggests that individuals may need to forgo personal gain or comfort for the greater good.

The second part of the quote, "we certainly cannot do it by force," serves as a direct rejection of the idea that coercion or violence can bring about lasting and meaningful improvement in society. Herbert's emphasis on the futility of force aligns with his voluntaryist beliefs, which prioritize individual freedom and voluntary cooperation over state intervention and compulsion. He argues that using force to address societal problems not only fails to address the underlying issues but also often leads to further conflict and resistance.

Herbert's quote reflects a belief in the power of voluntary action and individual agency in shaping the course of society. It suggests that meaningful change must come from within, driven by a collective commitment to reason, influence, example, effort, and personal sacrifice. By highlighting these alternative means of effecting change, Herbert challenges the prevailing notion that progress can only be achieved through the exercise of authority and control.

In today's context, Herbert's quote resonates with movements and initiatives that prioritize nonviolent resistance, grassroots activism, and community organizing to address social, political, and environmental issues. It underscores the enduring relevance of his voluntaryist principles and serves as a reminder of the potential of peaceful and cooperative efforts to bring about positive transformation in society. By embracing the values of reason, influence, example, effort, and personal sacrifice, individuals and communities can work towards creating a more just, equitable, and harmonious civilization.

In conclusion, Auberon Herbert's quote encapsulates the idea that force is an ineffective means of mending the flaws in civilization, and instead advocates for the use of reason, influence, example, effort, and personal sacrifice to bring about positive change. By rejecting the notion that coercion can lead to lasting improvement, Herbert's quote underscores the importance of voluntary action and nonviolent cooperation in shaping the course of society. It serves as a timeless reminder of the power of peaceful and cooperative efforts to address societal challenges and build a better world.