Meaning: This quote by Alexander Herzen captures a paradox that lies at the heart of the liberal ideology. It suggests that while liberalism is often characterized by its emphasis on individual freedoms and limited government intervention in personal matters, it also manifests a curious duality in its relationship with governmental authority. In essence, Herzen is pointing out the tendency of liberalism to simultaneously challenge and conform to the power of the state. This complex dynamic is rooted in the historical evolution of liberal thought and its interaction with political realities.

Liberalism, as a political philosophy, emerged in the context of the Enlightenment and the Age of Reason, advocating for the protection of individual rights and liberties against the encroachment of arbitrary state power. The liberal tradition has championed principles such as freedom of speech, assembly, and the press, as well as the rule of law and constitutional limits on government authority. From this perspective, liberalism has indeed been "austere in political trifles," emphasizing the importance of restraining the reach of the state into the private lives of citizens.

However, the second part of Herzen's quote addresses the more nuanced and paradoxical nature of liberalism's relationship with government. He suggests that liberalism has become adept at balancing a continuous critique of state actions with a simultaneous acquiescence to its authority. This can be interpreted as a recognition of the pragmatic realities of governance and the challenges of effecting meaningful change within established political systems.

One way to understand this paradox is to consider the evolution of liberalism from a theoretical framework to a practical political ideology. While liberal principles emphasize the importance of limiting state power, the actual exercise of political power requires a degree of cooperation and negotiation with existing governmental structures. As such, liberals may find themselves in a position of needing to engage with, and at times even submit to, the authority of the state in order to advance their broader goals of individual freedom and social progress.

Moreover, the tension between protest and submission that Herzen highlights reflects the complex nature of liberal democracy itself. In a democratic system, citizens are encouraged to voice their dissent and hold their government accountable, and liberalism provides the philosophical foundation for such actions. At the same time, the functioning of a democratic society also requires a degree of compliance with the decisions and policies of the government, particularly when they are arrived at through legitimate democratic processes.

From a historical perspective, the quote can also be understood in light of the experiences of liberal movements in various political contexts. Throughout history, liberals have often found themselves navigating the delicate balance between challenging oppressive or overreaching governments while also recognizing the necessity of maintaining stability and order. This has led to a strategic approach that combines advocacy for change with a pragmatic acknowledgment of the existing political landscape.

In summary, Alexander Herzen's quote encapsulates the inherent tension within liberalism between its aspirations for individual freedom and its engagement with the realities of political power. It reflects the complex interplay between protest and submission, critique and cooperation, that characterizes the liberal approach to governance and political change. By understanding this paradox, we can gain insight into the multifaceted nature of liberal ideology and its interaction with the dynamics of power and authority in society.