"resistance to civil government (Civil disobedience)"
by henry david thoreau
“Resistance to Civil Government” was an essay that was written by a leading transcendentalist, Henry David Thoreau. The essay highlights the points that individuals should rule their lives by their own accord and not let governments and institutions rule over them. This essay was largely written because of Thoreau’s disgust for certain institutions and philosophies that were set up by the government during that time, such as slavery. Thoreau says that the government often does more harm than help, and therefore, people should act on their own accords and live life individually. He said, by this technique of living, people would learn how to function as humans were meant to together, without the government getting in the way. This work of Thoreau was so dramatic and mind-changing that it actually influenced some of the most intelligent minds of the future, such as those of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
“Resistance to Civil Government” largely relates to the modern American Dream. Henry David Thoreau and the philosophies that he followed in his life largely embodied the ideas of asceticism and finding one’s unique individualism, and “Resistance to Civil Government” mirrored his views. In this essay, he talks about defying institution and living life as an individual, and if one does this, society can function naturally without the invasive government. The aspect of living by recognizing one’s individuality is a fundamental aspect to this work. Discovering one’s unique individual traits and living without the interference of things that hold one back is a vital part of living life today with meaning. That is why this essay by Thoreau ties directly together with the philosophies of the American experience and dream.
The path of life that Thoreau followed and advocated for relates largely to the same path of life that Annie Dillard began following during her time writing "Living Like Weasels".
“Resistance to Civil Government” largely relates to the modern American Dream. Henry David Thoreau and the philosophies that he followed in his life largely embodied the ideas of asceticism and finding one’s unique individualism, and “Resistance to Civil Government” mirrored his views. In this essay, he talks about defying institution and living life as an individual, and if one does this, society can function naturally without the invasive government. The aspect of living by recognizing one’s individuality is a fundamental aspect to this work. Discovering one’s unique individual traits and living without the interference of things that hold one back is a vital part of living life today with meaning. That is why this essay by Thoreau ties directly together with the philosophies of the American experience and dream.
The path of life that Thoreau followed and advocated for relates largely to the same path of life that Annie Dillard began following during her time writing "Living Like Weasels".