Civil Disobedience

One can easily learn from the famous essay Civil Disobedience that Henry David Thoreau was not a fan of the American government. He shares his opinion on the topic very often and uses several comparisons to back up his emotions. First, he compares the government to a wooden gun, claiming that it’s a simple job for a single man (Thoreau). He points out that the government is truly a majority rule made by one and followed by others. He offers the knowledgeable advice the man should first use his conscience, and then subjects can come afterwards (Thoreau). Instead of man being a piece for a machine, Thoreau state, “Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it” (Thoreau). Along with the government, Thoreau also opposed slavery and the Mexican-American War. He was very frank about these situations and the problems with them. He uses his own life experiences as sources for his opinions. Relying on truth to make decisions is a major point in the Transcendentalism period. As a protest against the American government, Thoreau refused to pay poll taxes for six years (Thoreau). He explains his beliefs behind the subject. “If it is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law. Let your life be a counter friction to stop the machine” (Thoreau). He felt that the government failed to handle issues in a respectful manner, and that they approached citizens inappropriately. He said, “When I meet a government which says to me ‘Your money or your life,’ why should I be in haste to give it my money? I am not responsible for the successful working of the machinery of society” (Thoreau). Henry brings up another comparison of a plant. He explains how a plant cannot survive in a lacking environment just as a man cannot live in a lacking world. However, when Henry David Thoreau chose not to follow the law by paying taxes, he had to pay the price by spending time in jail. “It costs me less in every sense to incur the penalty of disobedience to the State than it would to obey” (Thoreau).He is quick to point out all the flaws of man, especially those that make up the government. Pointing out that man is not necessarily perfect and political societies are other factors of Transcendentalism writing. Henry David Thoreau admits that he can see a wonderful State. However, this wonderful State is only seen in his dreams. “If we were left solely to the worldly wit of legislators in Congress for our guidance, uncorrected by the seasonable experience and the effectual complaints of the people, America would not long retain her rank among the nations” (Thoreau). Thoreau’s strong feelings for the government and its members are very biased, yet he is able to support his side. His shared feelings were similar to those of many Americans during this time.

Thoreau, Henry David. "Thoreau's Civil Disobedience." The Thoreau Reader. Web. 25 Jan. 2012.