Dmitriy Prokhnevskiy English 250 Dr.

Dennis O'Brien

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February 2, 2011 Winter Quarter

One of the most frequently quoted statements from Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience is, "That government is best which governs least (1)." Consequently, this quote is a superb synopsis of Thoreau's entire essay. Its every page is saturated with largely unorthodoxperhaps even rebelliousconcepts of government and its roles. Moreover, this particular piece is not merely a documentation of philosophical notions, but in many cases a stern call to action. As a result, Thoreau portrays himself as a peaceful rebel, and also calls others to rebel, against the government system of his day. It appears that throughout his essay, Henry David Thoreau is making an argument for justice. He is not simply defying the established customs of the governing authorities without a plausible cause. He is, on the other hand, making a stand for what he perceives is good and just. Line after line, Thoreau makes an earnest attempt to pursued the reader to embrace his convictions. It is this very sincerity, in both action and word, that makes his arguments all the more difficult to refute. Thoreau's ideological views of the government are often contradictory to the system that was and currently is in place. He disagreed with the authorities on issues ranging from taxation to military. In the case of democracy, Thoreau states that, "a government in which the majority rule in all cases cannot be based on justice (349)." It is because of this notion, Thoreau believes that laws are not a legitimate way to determine right and wrong. He believes that regardless of any legislation that might be in place, a citizen must first pay allegiance to their conscience (Thoreau 349). Consequently, Thoreau was not profound of voting as well. He believed that casting a ballot is merely an expression of desire for the prevalence of something

Prokhnevski y (Thoreau 352). "A wise man," states Thoreau, "will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority (352)." Along with casting a ballot, he encourages his audience to cast their "whole influence (Thoreau 356)." He implores them to withdraw all support of a state that would approve of immorality (Thoreau 354). He further reasons with the reader that "a minority is powerless while it conforms to the majority (Thoreau 356)." Therefore, Thoreau challenges his audience to rebel. He challenges them to practice civil disobedience. Thus, he wishes to give his native State of Massachusetts an

ultimatum of sorts. "If the alternative is to keep all just men in prison, or give up war and slavery," argues Thoreau, "the State will not hesitate which to choose (356)." However, Thoreau realized that such radical stands are not for the feeble. He knew that they would rather obey than, "spare the protection of the existing government (Thoreau 357)." They would rather submit than to face the "consequences to their property and families (Thoreau 357)." However, it would be hypocritical on Thoreau's part if he failed to practice what he preached. Thoreau did, however, put his ideas into practice on several occasions. One particular occasion was when he spent one night in the jailhouse for refusing to pay a poll tax that would support the war with Mexico (Thoreau 1). In another instance, Thoreau tells of an event where he was threatened with an arrest for refusing to pay the Church for the support of a clergyman (357). In all this, Thoreau does not defend his actions as would be expected. He simply wishes to "refuse allegiance to the State (Thoreau 362)." This has nothing to do with any "particular item on the tax-bill (Thoreau 361)."

Prokhnevski y For Henry David Thoreau, rebellion begins in the mind. In respect to the government, Thoreau says, "I shall bestow the fewest possible thoughts on it (362)." He

knows that he is free and that is enough for him (Thoreau 362). He believes that the state is the one that needs to "recognize the individual as a higher and independent power," and that the individual is the one "from which all its own power and authority are derived (Thoreau 364)." Thoreau believes that until this occurs, "there will never be a really free and enlightened State (364)." To summarize, "That government is best which governs least (Thoreau 1)." It is indeed the core idea that Henry David Thoreau was trying to convey throughout his entire essay. He made a bold attempt to convince his audience that they are the ones who give government the authority to govern. Vise versa, they could also take away that authority from it by rebelling. Of course, it is not a popular notion. If it were, Thoreau would not have had to spend a night in jail. Conformity is often comfortable, while rebellion is almost always costly. Yet the latter may sting for a moment, but yield countless rewards in the end.

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Works Cited Thoreau, Henry D. "Civil Disobedience." English 250. Boston: Pearson Custom, 2010. 347-64. Print.

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