Meaning: This quote by Auberon Herbert emphasizes the intrinsic connection between the denial of human rights and the reliance on force. Auberon Herbert, a 19th-century individualist anarchist and classical liberal thinker, was a vocal advocate for individual liberty and limited government intervention. His quote underscores the idea that when individuals are denied their fundamental human rights, the inevitable consequence is the imposition of authority through force.

In the context of this quote, "human rights" refers to the basic rights and freedoms that are inherent to all individuals, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. These rights include the right to life, liberty, and security of person, freedom of thought and expression, and the right to participate in the cultural, social, and political life of their community. Denial of these rights not only impinges on the dignity and autonomy of individuals but also sets the stage for the rise of oppressive and coercive forces.

When human rights are denied, individuals are left vulnerable to the whims of those in power, leading to a situation where force becomes the primary tool of control. This is because the denial of rights creates a power imbalance, allowing those in authority to exert their will through coercion rather than through respect for individual autonomy and consent. In the absence of rights-based governance, the old-world concept of "Force" rears its head, symbolizing the imposition of authority through physical, psychological, or institutional means.

Herbert's assertion that the denial of human rights leads to kneeling at the feet of the "old-world god, Force" is a powerful metaphor that highlights the regressive and oppressive nature of societies that prioritize control over the protection of individual rights. By invoking the image of kneeling, Herbert suggests a position of subservience and submission, implying that the denial of human rights forces individuals into a position of vulnerability and dependence on coercive authority.

Moreover, the reference to the "old-world god" conveys the timeless and pervasive nature of the reliance on force as a tool of governance. Throughout history, authoritarian regimes and oppressive systems have sought to maintain control through the application of force, suppressing dissent and subjugating individuals through fear and intimidation. Herbert's use of the term "god" further conveys the absolute and unquestionable authority that force assumes in the absence of respect for human rights.

In contemporary society, Herbert's words remain profoundly relevant. The denial of human rights continues to be a pressing global issue, with countless individuals facing discrimination, persecution, and marginalization. In such contexts, the erosion of human rights not only undermines the well-being and freedom of individuals but also paves the way for the unchecked exercise of force by those in positions of power.

In conclusion, Auberon Herbert's quote succinctly captures the inexorable link between the denial of human rights and the reliance on force. It serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative to uphold and protect human rights as a bulwark against oppressive and authoritarian tendencies. By recognizing the inherent dignity and autonomy of every individual, societies can work towards creating a world where the old-world god, Force, is supplanted by the principles of justice, equality, and respect for human rights.