He notes that none of these official channels is effective for ending slavery and the war. Thoreau also criticizes them for petitioning the state or voting as their primary ways of bringing about change.

He critiques his fellow Massachusetts residents for being more interested in commerce and agriculture and for failing to do anything to stop the Mexican-American war and end slavery. He argues that the people must reject slavery and halt the war in Mexico, even if doing so tears the nation apart.įrom there, Thoreau turns his attention to Massachusetts its residents, who, in his opinion, are not ready to shoulder the costs of justice. Thoreau’s dissenting response is short: the people should always pursue justice, as inconvenient and risky as it may be. Though Thoreau brings up William Paley’s writings in “Duty of Submission to Civil Government,” as a counter opinion to his argument, he ultimately debunks Paley’s idea that one should not resist a government if it will be an “inconvenience” to the public. Thoreau reminds his audience of their right to revolt against a tyrannical government, arguing that it is right and just to do away with the “machine” of any government that oppresses, robs, and practices slavery.

That is, the state’s abuse of power is so great that one cannot in good conscience recognize this government, especially because it also protects the institution of slavery. Though the state may treat them as enemies as a result, Thoreau argues that there is no other way forward. He argues that the power of governing is with the people and therefore the American people must take back their ability to think and act for themselves “as men first and subjects afterwards.” Thoreau implores his audience to think carefully about the law and its capacity to promote injustice, arguing that his fellow citizens must risk breaking the law and becoming “bad” citizens in the pursuit of justice. Thoreau then makes his first plea to readers, calling for a “better government,” instead of the faulty government he and his fellow citizens currently have. He argues that all of America’s successes have been the result of the American people instead of the American government. Thoreau goes on to critique the American government and its role in furthering injustice and its limited success in governing so far. He argues that like a standing army, a standing government can be perverted and corrupted to serve the ambitions of a few powerful people instead of all the American people. He admits that he believes that the best government is one that governs “not at all.” From there, he asks his readers to reflect on the purpose of a standing government such as the one the United States has currently. Henry David Thoreau begins “Civil Disobedience” by reflecting on the best form of government.

Walden civil disobedience