Themes: Individual Conscience and Action
Throughout “Civil Disobedience,” Henry David Thoreau expresses his strong concern with the weight of individual conscience. This is an especially important matter because of the ways in which it connects with each person’s civic responsibilities and decisions about their relationship with the government. Through rhetorical questions, Thoreau suggests that conscience is what decides right and wrong behaviors and that people should resist any “rule of expediency.” He apparently criticizes individual decisions by which any person to any degree would “resign his conscience to the legislator”; otherwise, he cannot see the point of having a conscience. He is convinced that there is a difference between the law and what is right, and the latter is more crucial to him:
The only obligation which I have a right to assume, is to do at any time what I think right.
Each individual must assume a position within society—which Thoreau refers to as “a corporation”—in accordance with their most deeply held beliefs. The group as a whole does not have a conscience and can only act as though it has one because of the shared beliefs and perspectives of its members: “a corporation of conscientious men is a corporation with a conscience.” The individuals therefore impart their conscience to the group, which Thoreau strongly advocates, regardless of personal cost.
This line of questioning and criticism is closely connected to Thoreau’s views on the military and men’s participation in it. The very definition of humanity is at stake for him. He is alarmed by men who set aside their own conscience—as well as common sense—in order to obey “some unscrupulous man” who holds the power. The beings who simply follow along, exhibiting no doubts about the “damnable business” of war, challenge his very conception of humanity:
Now, what are they? Men at all?
This existential question leads Thoreau into a consideration of the kinds of decisions that men must make according to their conscience. He speculates about the conditions that require people to evaluate whether a law is just or not and considers how to best behave according to that evaluation.
Expert Q&A
Thoreau's concept of "any man more right than his neighbors constitutes a majority of one already" in "Civil Disobedience."
Thoreau's concept in "Civil Disobedience" means that an individual who holds a morally superior position compared to others holds significant authority, even if they are alone. This idea emphasizes the power of personal conscience and moral integrity over majority rule, suggesting that one person's righteous stance can outweigh the views of the majority.
An analysis of Thoreau's arguments and perspectives in "Civil Disobedience."
In "Civil Disobedience," Thoreau argues for individual resistance to unjust government actions. He emphasizes the importance of conscience over law, advocating for nonviolent protest and the moral duty to oppose injustice. Thoreau criticizes the government’s involvement in slavery and the Mexican-American War, urging citizens to prioritize ethical principles over compliance with legal mandates.
What does Thoreau mean by "expedient" in the context of government in "Civil Disobedience"?
"Government is at best, but an expedient."
In "Civil Disobedience," Thoreau uses "expedient" to describe government as a means to an end, but often ineffective or harmful. He argues that governments should serve specific purposes without overreaching, as overreach can lead to negative consequences. Thoreau criticizes government for prioritizing convenience over justice, often failing to serve individuals adequately.
What is Thoreau's opinion of the voting populace?
Thoreau views the voting populace with disdain, equating voting to gambling and seeing it as an ineffective way to bring about change. He argues that merely voting is a passive act, expressing weak desires without taking real action. Thoreau believes true change requires direct, individual effort rather than relying on government or the majority's decisions, as outlined in his works like Civil Disobedience and "Slavery in Massachusetts."
What does Thoreau mean by "Let your life be the counter-friction to stop the machine"?
Thoreau means that individuals should act according to their conscience to resist unjust government actions, effectively becoming the "counter-friction" to halt the government's harmful practices. He argues that governments, like machines, often perpetuate injustice, and it is the duty of morally-minded individuals to practice civil disobedience to prompt change, even if it means facing consequences like imprisonment.
Why was Thoreau jailed and what were his feelings about the government in "Civil Disobedience"?
Thoreau was jailed for refusing to pay a poll tax, protesting against the Mexican War and slavery. In "Civil Disobedience," he criticizes the government for overreach and corruption, believing it manipulates the masses and operates like a machine. Thoreau argues that individuals must challenge unjust laws and not blindly serve the state, showcasing civil disobedience as a moral duty.
How does Thoreau define a good citizen in Civil Disobedience?
According to Thoreau in "Civil Disobedience," a good citizen is one who serves the state with his conscience, doing what he believes to be right for the public good. Soldiers serve the state with their bodies, and legislators serve the state with their minds, but these people usually do only part of their duty. This is because they subordinate their consciences to the state instead of using them to steer the state in the right direction.
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