Civil Disobedience

"That government is best which governs not at all." This motif is used throughout Thoreau's work, Civil Disobedience. It is apparent that Thoreau thinks it necessary to disobey laws that are unjust in this case its slavery. Unjust laws should be responded to in a civil manor, without doing so will create more hostility.

Thoreau is asking for a better government, not for men to rule themselves but for men to speak up and say how they want to be governed. He believes that doing so will be one step towards obtaining a respectful government. This is where the idea of Transcendentalism comes into play. Thoreau is looked upon as a Transcendentalist, someone who is insightful and capable of looking beyond the main point. This is apparent towards the end of this piece where he is questioning the future capabilities of the government. "Is it not possible to take a step further towards recognizing and organizing the rights of man?"

Civil disobedience to me is a respectful way to shield yourself from something you do not want to do. There are many ways to try to solve problems in everyday life civil disobedience is one of the best ways to solve them. Disobedience is not abiding by the rules, and civil disobedience is a more appropriate way to handle the certain situation. I believe is there was not a process such as civil disobedience then the world would be a very chaotic place. I try to use civil disobedience as much as I can because I try to be a very calm and respectful person. I believe it is something that comes naturally… or should.

A time when civil disobedience has come into play in my life was when I was in the seventh grade. The teacher gave us an assignment that was on the local election and I had absolutely no interest in this subject. I just didn't make my opinion about the subject very open and I didn't write the paper. That was my way of being disobedient but civil at the same time. I felt this was the