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Civil Disobedience (1993)

by Henry David Thoreau(Favorite Author)

3.96 of 5 Votes: 5

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Public Domain Books

review 1: Having just finished Walden, I felt it was time to also read Henry David Thoreau's other major work here. So much shorter than Walden, I read this essay in one sitting. I don't feel that there is a need for me to summarize its plot; most know it already, even if they have not read it. As in Walden, I agreed with most of his philosophies he put forth here, only these were in regard to serving (or not serving) an unjust government.
review 2: For some reason I thought this would be more explorative than it is subjective. However in as much as it presents one man’s thoughts and experience relating to one state, the arguments put make perfect, reasoned sense. Thoreau’s thoughts are as relevant today as in his day and to any state. The statement that leapt out to... more me – “A very few—as heroes, patriots, martyrs, reformers in the great sense, and men—serve the state with their consciences also, and so necessarily resist it for the most part; and they are commonly treated as enemies by it.” – is certainly still very true. This is a very quotable work and one that still has the power to inspire subjects the world over.Without being revolutionary, without inciting uprising, Thoreau sought to make a difference in his own sphere. He also experienced the futility of it when everyone around sought to ensure he did not fall foul of the state. I can’t help but wonder what he would make of the Internet and the power it has brought to us to raise a united voice against injustice. I would imagine he’d embrace it and use it to great effect.What Thoreau above all conveys is a wish for a peaceful end to injustice enforced upon the minority by the majority and when taken into account that the minority is very often several minorities which add up to a greater number than the so called majority, a difference could be made if each person in the minorities made but a small stand.So very relevant to today’s world. How nice it would be if one day we could look back and say “but that doesn’t apply anymore”. less

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