"After voluntary exertions on the part of our people to which the history of the world furnishes no parallel, is the old root of bitterness still to remain in the ground, to sprout and bear fruit in the future as it has borne fruit in the past?"

Robert Dale Owen's quote shows a profound concern about the persistence of deep-seated societal issues despite considerable efforts to overcome them. To translate his words, it helps to break down the important aspects and context of his message.

The expression "voluntary exertions on the part of our people" mentions considerable cumulative efforts or sacrifices made by a society or its citizens, undertaken of their own accord rather than by compulsion. Such exertions might describe social, political, or economic ventures planned to reform or much better society, such as efforts toward ending slavery or advancing equivalent rights, provided Owen's historic context as a social reformer in the 19th century.

The "history of the world provides no parallel" suggests that these efforts were extraordinary in their magnitude or impact. Owen appears to be emphasizing the extraordinary nature of these actions, indicating that they stand apart in both their ambition and execution.

Regardless of these unequaled efforts, he questions whether "the old root of bitterness" will continue to persist. Here, the "old root of bitterness" represents an enduring source of conflict or division-- likely social injustices, established bias, or systemic inequalities. Owen utilizes this metaphor to illustrate how deeply deep-rooted these concerns are within the foundations of society, akin to a root that stays embedded in the ground, possibly growing anew.

He presumes the problem of whether these deep-rooted issues will continue to "grow and bear fruit", suggesting that without fundamental change or change at a structural level, history may duplicate itself. This reoccurring fruit recommends the ongoing repercussion or manifestation of unsolved issues, as seen in patterns of inequality or social strife that echo past complaints.

In general, Owen's quote is a poignant reflection on the challenges of accomplishing true and lasting social modification. It highlights the stress in between huge human efforts and the tenacity of historic grievances, urging reflection about the paths to recovery and real development in society.