Thoreau believes the majority of men serve the state physically, or “as machines, with their bodies.” These individuals make up the military and police forces, and because they are unable to make judgments or moral decisions--only follow orders--Thoreau does not think very highly of these individuals. In fact, though others admire the men in these positions, Thoreau see them as beasts of burden or pets of the state.

“They have the same sort of worth only as horses and dogs.” (ouch!)

A smaller set serve legislatively, and in this Thoreau includes pastors. These individuals are on a higher level than the previous group because they are able to make moral judgments and to act on it.

The final set, and the one that Thoreau admires, are those that serve ideologically: “heroes, patriots, martyrs, reformers…” These individuals are often seen as the enemies of the state for using their consciences to resist any injustice they see. They are not appreciated for their efforts by others, but they are the ones that would organize revolution against the government if it became necessary. Thoreau sees the greatest service of the state in holding it accountable, and it is this group that is the most likely to do so.