Civil Disobedience

I know that sometimes my students complain about reading and writing analysis of primary source documents...but, I still contend that it is one of the greatest ways to think about and learn history.

Today's topic: Henry David Thoreau...

1817-1862

 



One of America's most famous writers, Henry David Thoreau is remembered for his philosophical and revolutionary thought.  One of his best-known essays, "Civil Disobedience" aka "Resistance to Civil Government" has influenced thousands since it was published in 1849.  Thoreau strongly opposed slavery and was one of very few Americans who spoke out against the Mexican-American War. He made a strong case for acting on one's individual conscience and not blindly following the government.  His non-violent approach to political and social resistance was read by and heavily influenced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mohandas Gandhi, and Upton Sinclar, among many others.

 

Thoreau's comments on:

 

 Slavery & The Mexican-American War

 

“When a sixth of the population of a nation which has undertaken to be the refuge of liberty are slaves, and a whole country (Mexico) is unjustly overrun and conquered by a foreign army, and subjected to military law, I think that it is not too soon for honest men to rebel and revolutionize.”


 "I cannot for an instant recognize that political organization as my government which is the slave's government also." 

Thoreau also encouraged others to stand up (with a pure conscience) and make a difference even if they are in the minority...suggesting that our society dies when we have no conscience.

“Is there not a sort of blood shed when the conscience is wounded? Through this wound a man’s real manhood and immortality flow out, and he bleeds to an everlasting death. I see this blood flowing now."

Have we become numb to social injustice, violence, political corruption, oppression, isms, etc.?

Have we accepted to be terminally self-centered? Passive? Uneducated?

The most dangerous thing to do is to ignore your conscience...we must never stop killing jellyfish!