How do you feel about Thoreau's 'Civil Disobedience'"?

Question

"All men recognize the right of revolution; that is, the right to refuse allegiance to, and to resist, the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable."

"Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it."

"That government is best which governs least."

Answer 1

WOW there is intelligent life!!!!!

I live in NC on the coast and have basically rebelled against 'normal' society by leaving an engineering degree/career to live a free and careless life.

When I talk to ppl about this around here, I sometimes say, "I am living Thoreau's Civil Disobedience." And mind you, I have said this to successful ppl...

I have yet to find a single person that has any clue what I am talking about... they have no clue what Thoreau's Civil Disobedience is.

My thoughts on it should be self-defined. I'm as extreme as he was on Walden's pond. I've asked questions about why do we have to wear seat belts, have license checks,etc...

I recently went ballistic concerning the new Mass. law requiring all residents of that state to acquire health insurance in order to be a valid resident.

If a US citizen so chooses, he or she should be able to have NO allegiance whatsoever. Based on the freedom of passage concept of our forefathers, if we so choose, we should be able to live off our land freely without prejudice or penalty.

Wonderful question.

Answer 2

I believe things would probably work better without government interference. But, the people can't agree on how to do things, hence we let the government decide.

For example, the law says to wear seat belts. Children under certain ages/weight require seats. (This is not to mention that we now have to have airbags.) Why does the government have to pass this kind of law? If I want to drive around without a belt, why can't I. Whose business is it?

I think the manufactors get a law passed so they can charge more for their cars. The govenmentcashes in by collection on paid fines. And, someone got a job making and installing seatbelts. Again, whose fault is it?

Answer 3

We have been reading a lot of his pieces in my english class lately. I loved "Self-Reliance" but this one not so much. Show me this - "That government is best which governs least." and I'll show you a government that does not exist. You have to rmember that this was written before the civil war, before both world wars, and everything going on today. Times have changed and it's doubtful something like this will take place and succeed.

Answer 4

What we need. What everybody needs to hear. People believe too much in state power, that goes for both sides. We'll never achieve it.