"We cannot live by power, and a culture that seeks to live by it becomes brutal and sterile. But we can die without it"

Max Lerner's quote, "We can not live by power, and a culture that seeks to live by it ends up being brutal and sterile. But we can die without it", checks out the duality inherent to the principle of power within human societies. At its core, Lerner is stressing the constraints and prospective destructiveness of a culture extremely focused on power, juxtaposed with the requirement of power for survival.

In the very first part of the quote, "We can not live by power", Lerner suggests that if a society is built entirely on the foundation of power, it does not have the important qualities that truly sustain life, such as compassion, cooperation, and imagination. A power-driven culture might prioritize domination and control over more humane worths, potentially leading to dehumanization and ethical decay. This idea lines up with the idea that power, when untreated and pursued as an end in itself, can toxin social characteristics, stripping away the subtleties and shared humankind that improve lives.

The phrase "a culture that looks for to live by it becomes brutal and sterile" even more highlights this argument. Cruelty arises from the ruthless pursuit of power, promoting environments where empathy and ethical factors to consider are overshadowed by hostility and competitors. Sterility, in this context, shows a stagnancy or an absence of development in cultural or intellectual pursuits. A society dominated by power struggles might neglect arts, community-building, and intellectual discourse, undoubtedly leading to a barren cultural landscape.

On the other hand, the statement "But we can pass away without it" acknowledges the pragmatic need of power. While Lerner alerts against a singular focus on power, he acknowledges it as an important component of survival. It is important in keeping order, protecting flexibilities, and enabling societal progress. Without some type of class structure, societies run the risk of coming down into mayhem and vulnerability. Thus, Lerner isn't advocating for a total rejection of power however rather a balanced method that integrates power with other humanistic values.

In essence, Lerner calls for a nuanced understanding of power's function in society, advocating for a balance where power supports life rather than controls it, making it possible for a thriving and compassionate civilization.