Student Question
Who are the three main groups of citizens Thoreau categorizes on page 750 in "Civil Disobedience"?
Quick answer:
Thoreau categorizes citizens into three main groups in "Civil Disobedience." The first group serves the state with their bodies, like soldiers and police, who follow orders without judgment. The second group serves with their intellect, including politicians and lawyers, who often lack moral discernment. The third group serves with their conscience, consisting of heroes and reformers, who may resist state power and are often seen as enemies of the state.
In "Civil Disobedience," Thoreau says that the mass of men serve the state "not as men mainly, but as machines, with their bodies." These are men such as the army, the police, jailers, and others who do not exercise their judgment but merely follow orders. Thoreau is scathing about such men, saying that they "command no more respect than men of straw or a lump of dirt." However, the state usually regards them as good citizens.
The second type of men serve the state with their heads. They are politicians, lawyers, and office holders. Although these men require some intellectual prowess, they rarely make moral distinctions, and Thoreau says they are as likely inadvertently to serve the devil as God.
The third type serve the state with their consciences. There are very few of them, and they are heroes, patriots, martyrs, and reformers. Because they sometimes have to resist state power, they are often treated as enemies of the state.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.