Thoreau Civil Disobedience Summary - 1289 Words

In the essay Civil Disobedience, author Thoreau states that a government infrequently proves itself useful, as it is often backed up by the majority, instead of following what is truly right. Thoreau argues that people should not allow the government to overrule their consciousness, or make them persons of an injust practice. More importantly he wants his readers to take many of his ideas and put them to work, these things include, not being part of the majority, expressing their own opinion, and refusing to follow the law when unjust in a civil way. While he strongly believes that every citizen needs to have the ability to express his or her own opinion. One that is independent to that of the majority, and to think about whether the†¦show more content†¦A good example is the law that was signed by President Andrew Jackson in 1830 - the Indian Removal Act. During the early 18th century, American Indians ‘were a threat’ that needed to be removed and kept away fro m the European Americans. That law passed without any trouble because most of the people agreed that the Indians were a bad influence on society. However, evidence has shown that Native Americans did not harm the whites. The only reason they were persecuted was because the white people were greedy and wanted their land. President Jackson agreed with most of the U.S citizens that whites were superior to Native Americans, and that the Indians, as a low-class human race, ought to be kept away from them. The Government claimed that they were doing the right thing because they represented the major voice of the county. However, that does not make it right. In the essay, Thoreau also used the example of slavery and the Mexican War to show that the majority is only a figure of the stronger voice, but not always moral. Furthermore, he believed that an individual should exercise his conscience by refusing his involvement or Additionally complacency with the majority or a government that enfo rces unjust policies. Civil disobedience is therefore a necessary expression of an individuals conscience. The government acts according to the majority even if it is wrong; therefore, civil disobedienceShow MoreRelatedCivil Disobedience By Henry David Thoreau969 Words   |  4 Pages Transcendentalism is an idea that expresses the individuality of a person and his differing beliefs from the current societal opinions. This idea had a few articles written about it such as â€Å"Civil Disobedience† by Henry David Thoreau which in summary states that if you don’t agree with the society’s opinion, you should form your own and fight for it. Another writing about it is â€Å"Self Reliance† by Ralph Waldo Emerson which also basically states that you should follow your heart and not conform toRead MoreEssay on Thoreaus Civil Disobedience and Walden1529 Words   |  7 PagesDavid Thoreau (1817-1862) was an American philosopher, author, poet, abolitionist, and naturalist. He was famous for his essay, â€Å"Civil Disobedience†, and his book, Walden. He believed in individual conscience and nonviolent acts of political resistance to protest unfair laws. Moreover, he valued the importance of observing nature, being individual, and living in a simple life by his own values. 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Tiong ENGLCOM 11/12/12 11216964 C38-B Thesis Statement: Civil Disobedience, though often taken as a refusal to obey governmental instruction, was in fact an appropriate gesture of the people during the People Power Revolution because the people demonstrated democratic action when they felt that they were being oppressed. Outline: I. Overview of Civil Disobedience A. Brief History 1. Origins of the word B. Definition of Terms 1. Dictionary Read MoreLiterature: A Reflection of Society1764 Words   |  8 Pagesvarious ways, which has different effects on different people. Although not all literature promotes social change, many pieces of literature have had a profound impact on their respective societies, including Antigone by Sophocles, â€Å"Civil Disobedience† by Henry David Thoreau, and Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. Greek theatre was an extremely important part of life in ancient Athens and held much influence over the people because it was a part of the new political system of democracy. The mythical tragicRead MoreEssay on Underground Railroad: Freedom Fighters or Criminals?2079 Words   |  9 PagesIntroduction: Overview and Summary Statements The Underground Railroad was one of the most pivotal movements in American history with both sides of the debate pointing to it’s impact in pushing the nation towards Civil War. The Railroad’s admirers glorify it as one of the proudest moments in American History, an example of the weak standing up to the powerful, an active refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of odious and sinful laws that stated that one man could be the property of anotherRead More Analysis of Conclusion of Thoreau’s Walden Essay2987 Words   |  12 PagesAnalysis of â€Å"Conclusion† of Thoreau’s Walden  Ã‚   The chapter entitled â€Å"Conclusion† is a fitting and compelling final chapter to Thoreau’s Walden. Throughout Walden, Thoreau delves into his surroundings, the very specifics of nature, and what he was thinking about, without employing any metaphors and including none of his poignant aphorisms. However, placed among these at-times tedious sections, come spectacular and wholly enjoyable interludes of great and profound thought from a writer thatRead MoreEnlightenment, Transcendentalism, and Puritan Theology Essay1840 Words   |  8 Pageslaid out transcendental ideologies. One was Henry David Thoreau. In his piece titled Civil Disobedience, Thoreau talks about the flaws in the American government. He stated that a government where majority rules is not one based on justice. He said that people should be men first, and subjects second. He explained that it is important for a person to live life with their conscience and serve the country with their conscience. In summ ary, he said that men should be true to themselves and government