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3* Excerpt from Civil Disobedience


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Resistance to Civil Government, called Civil Disobedience for short, is an essay by American Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau that was first published in 1849. In it, Thoreau argues that individuals should not permit governments to overrule or atrophy their consciences, and that they have a duty to avoid allowing such acquiescence to enable the government to make them the agents of injustice. Thoreau was motivated in part by his disgust with slavery and the Mexican–American War (1846–1848).

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Excerpt from Civil Disobedience By Henry David Thoreau

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I HEARTILY ACCEPT the motto, — "That government is best which governs least"; and I should like to see it acted upon more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe, — "That government is best which governs not at all"; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have. Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient. The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government. The standing army is only an arm of the standing government. The government itself, which is only the mode which the people have chosen to execute their will, is equally liable to be abused and perverted before the people can act through it. Witness the present Mexican war, the work of comparatively a few individuals using the standing government as their tool; for, in the outset, the people would not have consented to this measure.

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Oct 21
Rejanae Wells Rejanae Wells (Oct 21 2020 4:51PM) : The importance of an individual more

Thoreau believes that the government should not govern anybody at all. He then goes to say that mostly everything the government does is wrong. The Romantics valued the importance of the individual. Thoreau seems to think that individuals can govern themselves. He believes that the people should rely on themselves without the leadership of the government.Thoreau believes that the government will abuse their power over the people. He states that the Mexican war was the act of the government and had nothing to do with the people. And that the people would have have chosen a different alternative if it were up to them.

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Oct 27
Stuuti Sharma Stuuti Sharma (Oct 27 2020 2:38PM) : best line more

This is the best line of Thoreau because he not only mentions the government who is responsible for people to accomplish their desire but it is equally responsible to be “abused” and “perverted” before the people can act through it. Thoreau also talks about the historical event Mexican American War to reference how people have the same opinions about but no one does anything about it.

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Oct 22
Tuong Dang Tuong Dang (Oct 22 2020 10:02PM) : Best line - Great setup more

This phrase I feel is the best as it not only illustrates Thoreau’s individualist ideals but also does it in a quick and short phrase. In the phrase, Thoreau’s acceptance of the motto displays his ideal which is a government that governs least is the best. This indicates that Thoreau believes that a government should focus on it’s individuals rather than an entire government. The phrase also illustrates Thoreau thinking that the less governed governments put more respect and trust into their citizens which is what Thoreau wants as he has a very strong individualist belief.

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This American government — what is it but a tradition, though a recent one, endeavoring to transmit itself unimpaired to posterity, but each instant losing some of its integrity? It has not the vitality and force of a single living man; for a single man can bend it to his will. It is a sort of wooden gun to the people themselves. But it is not the less necessary for this; for the people must have some complicated machinery or other, and hear its din, to satisfy that idea of government which they have. Governments show thus how successfully men can be imposed on, even impose on themselves, for their own advantage. It is excellent, we must all allow. Yet this government never of itself furthered any enterprise, but by the alacrity with which it got out of its way. It does not keep the country free. It does not settle the West. It does not educate. The character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accomplished; and it would have done somewhat more, if the government had not sometimes got in its way. For government is an expedient by which men would fain succeed in letting one another alone; and, as has been said, when it is most expedient, the governed are most let alone by it. Trade and commerce, if they were not made of India rubber, would never manage to bounce over the obstacles which legislators are continually putting in their way; and, if one were to judge these men wholly by the effects of their actions, and not partly by their intentions, they would deserve to be classed and punished with those mischievous persons who put obstructions on the railroads… But, to speak practically and as a citizen, unlike those who call themselves no-government men, I ask for, not at once no government, but at once a better government. Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it.

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Oct 27
Ms. Jones chico wilson Ms. Jones chico wilson (Oct 27 2020 8:04PM) : Although the government does America good it also has its down sides. Which so is that Americans have created a lot of things and helped us but sometimes the government will not allow because maybe it destroys business or it’s too efficient. more

For example take Stanley Allen Meyer it was a possibility that he had made an water powered car but died after it was discovered and it was a possibility that the government killed him because oil companies would have dropped dramatically.

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Oct 27
Stuuti Sharma Stuuti Sharma (Oct 27 2020 2:59PM) : This sentence is an example of Individualism. more

Thoreau is specifically pointing out the government of the United States in this phrase. He is saying that the interference of government towards its citizen is not going to contribute to any education but if the government became less involved in an individual’s life then they can accomplish more. Furthermore, Thoreau makes it clear from his next statement that it is not the United States’ position to stop the government or get rid of it. Therefore, this is an example of Thoreau’s individualism.

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Oct 21
Rejanae Wells Rejanae Wells (Oct 21 2020 5:17PM) : Individualism and self reliance. more

The United States is the land of the free. This quote goes against that. The government is so eager to govern the people and Thoreau is saying this does not make this the land of the free. He wants the people to be able to rely on themselves. Thoreau wants the government to allow the people to be able to be in control of themselves, without the constant pressure of the government breathing down their necks. Thoreau wants the government to be about what they preach about.

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Oct 20
Sam Birdsley Sam Birdsley (Oct 20 2020 2:53PM) : This sentence expresses individualism, a Romantic era ideal. more

This part of the text focuses on the individual aspect of this country. The country didn’t go and colonize the west, individuals did. It tells people what they can and cannot do, but the individuals carry it out. This demonstrates romantic era ideals because in this era, there is emphasis on the actions of individuals, or individualism. The idea that individuals have freedom of action over collective or state control.

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Oct 20
Ronan Looney Ronan Looney (Oct 20 2020 4:39PM) : The difference between permission and action. more

What the government did at the time with the colonization of the west is very complex. While it was individuals who did things they did so under the protect of government. As people settled the west the government waged war to remove Natives and gain sovereignty of the western lands. Who does what is a very complex question and Thoreau does not treat it with the full complexity the matter needs.

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Oct 27
Willem Alleyne Willem Alleyne (Oct 27 2020 10:54PM) : response to Ronan Looney more

Well, It really isnt that complex. Thoreau proposes an argument that the government shoulnd’t be thought of as some inhumane system that simply exists. The government is simply an expression of men imposing their will on other men. so to say that the government did something isn’t really true. who signed the ordinances to settle land out west? men (not saying men to invalidate the women in the world, there were just no women who were allowed the ability to make said decisions) did. He does not NEED to actually deal with the complexity of this government you are talking about because in the preface of his argument he talks about how the government is an expression of people.

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Oct 26
Myra Stevens Myra Stevens (Oct 26 2020 9:22PM) : This sentence represents individualism during this Romantic era. more

This sentences talks about how the American government does not educate. Education is a human right yet it is still being the individuals responsibility to obtain it. This represents the romantic era because in this era individualistic ideas was very important.

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Oct 27
Stuuti Sharma Stuuti Sharma (Oct 27 2020 4:24PM) : Individualism and its controversies more

The American government is not ready to give its citizens the education they deserve which rises the conflict between individuals and the American government. We tend to believe that it is the government’s responsibility to provide our education with resources after everything that we as citizens have done to maintain the current status of the American government. After all these controversies the citizens still don’t want to lose their government but make it better.

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Oct 27
jacie owens jacie owens (Oct 27 2020 10:43PM) : I agree more

I agree. In a society where free thought and individualism are stressed those thoughts and ideas would hold meaning in most or all circumstances. Do I agree that the American government didn’t require education? No, because intelligence pushes society forward but if you’re really going to stress individual choices then it should be allowed in all circumstances.

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Oct 20
Aidan Weaver Aidan Weaver (Oct 20 2020 1:40PM) : Americans have accomplished great things without the government, even though the government has sometimes gotten in the way. more

Despite issues with the government, some people have gone out of their way to do great things themselves. This implies individualism, and also the anti-government views of the author.

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Oct 25
Sam Birdsley Sam Birdsley (Oct 25 2020 2:53PM) : This is true, but on the other side of the coin, it also leads to Americans doing awful things. more

Individualism results in a new age of American development that leads to innovation and sees America rise as one of the strongest nations in the world. But this does not happen without Americans taking indigenous peoples land. This is directly mentioned a bit after this sentence when he mentions colonizing the West. Also, with the rise of the United States as a world power, Nationalism within the country rises, resulting in groups like the KKK and principles like experimenting with Eugenics. These are all the results of individuals choosing to expand west or deciding to contribute to white nationalist ideals. So while individualism does lead to accomplishing great things, it should not be forgotten what negative factors it has also contributed to.

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Oct 20
Ronan Looney Ronan Looney (Oct 20 2020 1:42PM) : Romantic Individualism more

This sentence is very characteristic of the Romantic idea of individualism. The Romantic idea of individualism is that all which is good has come from individual actions and has only been hindered by the unnatural outside forces. Thoreau is trying to convince people of how the government is harmful to the forces of progress. In the Romantic world view the only correct things are man and nature with government only helping a minority at the expense of the majority. When can you claim to have done something? Can we claim that fascism is the best form of government because the jet engine was invented under Nazi Germany? or should we instead credit the individuals who invented it despite the anti-science nature of their government.

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Oct 21
Sam Birdsley Sam Birdsley (Oct 21 2020 2:36PM) : The character of individual Americans is what led to our country being the way it is. more

The first level analysis of this sentence is that our country developed the way it did because of individuals rather than the government. The second level is that the individual character of each person is responsible for themselves. Usually we assume that the country developed the way it did because of policies put in place by our government. However, according to what this sentence says the people themselves are the ones that actually implemented and created change. On a third level of analysis, when a higher power gives orders that people then carry out, the higher power is not solely responsible. This is comparable to, but on a much higher scale, to the Nuremberg trials. The argument that I was just following orders put in place by the higher power is not sound. You had the choice to carry out the decision or not and you chose to.

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Oct 21
Riley McLean Riley McLean (Oct 21 2020 12:23PM) : The Best Line: An Explanation of his Ideas more

I think that this is the best line in the essay. It does a very good job of summing up his ideas on government that are present all throughout. He claims that the government is cruel and deserves some sort of punishment. However, he doesn’t want no government. He wants a better government, one that follows his ideas of how much more important the individual is than the government. It also displays his opinions of commerce, thinking that trade should be far less regulated, which probably has to do with his individual ideals.

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Oct 23
Jonathan SanchezHuanca Jonathan SanchezHuanca (Oct 23 2020 1:02AM) : Restriction of individualism more

the author also believed that policies made by the government. Had limited each citizen’s ability to be a true individuality. And more as a subject in his opinion. as he wishes that the government would let people be more man the subject later in this excerpt. though this sentence does explain a lot of his ideas all it’s not all of them yet by this point.

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Oct 27
Willem Alleyne Willem Alleyne (Oct 27 2020 10:46PM) : General comment more

Thoreau is hugely influenced by Romantic ideas. Throughout this article, he definitely uses ideas such as individualism and non-conformity to influence his argument. He stresses the inability of a government to be just if individuality is not a part of it. Specifically how a man governing himself is the justest way to be governed instead of being governed by another man. He also talks about not conforming, this means not following a herd of people aka the majority. He explains that the government conforms to the majority and how this limits the freedoms of the citizens.

After all, the practical reason why, when the power is once in the hands of the people, a majority are permitted, and for a long period continue, to rule, is not because they are most likely to be in the right, nor because this seems fairest to the minority, but because they are physically the strongest. But a government in which the majority rule in all cases cannot be based on justice, even as far as men understand it. Can there not be a government in which majorities do not virtually decide right and wrong, but conscience? — in which majorities decide only those questions to which the rule of expediency is applicable? Must the citizen ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his conscience to the legislator? Why has every man a conscience, then? I think that we should be men first, and subjects afterward. It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right. The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think right. It is truly enough said that a corporation has no conscience; but a corporation of conscientious men is a corporation with a conscience. Law never made men a whit more just; and, by means of their respect for it, even the well-disposed are daily made the agents of injustice. ...

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Oct 21
Riley McLean Riley McLean (Oct 21 2020 12:47PM) : Example of Romanticism: Free Thought more

These sentences exemplify one of the main Romantic ideas, that of free thought. He objects to the idea that you should ever allow the government to determine what is best. Everyone has their own morals and conscience, they should not be forced to abide by someone else’s. The only obligation people should have to do what they want if think is right, by the themselves, not after being told to by the government. The individuality and free thought of the people is more important than the power of the government.

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Oct 27
Ms. Jones chico wilson Ms. Jones chico wilson (Oct 27 2020 8:25PM) : Being the strongest is being a minority more

What this means is that when you are a minority especially 1800s you were usually working for someone because it was based on your color. Why you say it’s being a minority is the strongest because they have to go through with racial slurs no freedom and basically can’t live there life. But they keep getting the treatment everyday and it doesn’t stop because people are idiots and see color as privilege and not a human being. Take for instance the BLM movement l, a lot of people were involved in that because they hated how they were getting treated but it didn’t really matter because there are still people in the world that just focus on color. Although I’m an proud of what they did it does not change the fact that you cannot change people because they were grown up that way.

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Oct 27
Tuong Dang Tuong Dang (Oct 27 2020 10:39PM) : Majority vs Minority more

In this sentence, Thoreau addresses the conflicts of the individual and majority rule. When Thoreau says “because they are physically the strongest” he means that the majority is in the rule not because it is fair or just but rather they are literally stronger than an individual. He also goes into detail arguing even more about why majority rule is not fair in this paragraph where he says that a majority’s rule cannot be just, when they vote for what is right or wrong it’s only the answer that gets more votes disregarding what one individual might think because the majority has already made up its mind.

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Oct 27
Willem Alleyne Willem Alleyne (Oct 27 2020 10:08PM) : Best line more

This quote is great because it works perfectly with Romantic ideas. Romantic ideas entail a focus on the freedoms of individuality. Thoreau focuses on this by saying that a government that looks to the majority for answers is oppressive and cannot deal out justice appropriately as they can never truly represent the minority and thus take away from the individuality of the citizens.

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Oct 22
Jonathan SanchezHuanca Jonathan SanchezHuanca (Oct 22 2020 2:47AM) : Example of romanticism, individualism more

This sentence is an example of the romantic premise of individualism. The premise of individualism believes that one individual is the spiritual center of the universe. As the author places the importance of one’s individualism instead of just being a subject under the government. From the author’s point of view, the government has made policies that impede one’s ability to just be one’s self whether intentionally or intentionally. Leading him to feel that the government as a whole has made its people subjects. As opposed to letting people feel like their own individual.

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Oct 25
Riley McLean Riley McLean (Oct 25 2020 5:34PM) : Free Thought more

He also emphasizes how the people should not just blindly follow what the government says. They should think for themselves and decide which laws are just and which are not. Then, they should do what they believe to be right, regardless of what the law does to impede this.

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Dec 9
Jacob Hankin Jacob Hankin (Dec 09 2020 7:23PM) : Romantic Ideal more

This sentence illustrates individualism and that an individual is the spiritual center of the universe, which is a romantic belief. Thoreau claims people should be an individual first, meaning making decisions for themselves comes before all else, including following the government’s instructions. As subjects, you adhere to the rules of the government first, which is not an individualistic idea. The sentence claims we should listen to ourselves and our ideas before listening to our leaders. It encompasses individualism and free thought.

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Oct 28
Feras Hamayel Feras Hamayel (Oct 28 2020 10:29AM) : Second Best line more

Here thoreau touches on another flaw of the Government. He points out how flawed the Government is to the point where they even jail the people that respect them. Basically a stab in the back from something that you fell passionate about. He also makes a claim that the law cannot make anyone more just. Mainly saying that the Law cannot make anyone better than they already are, and if they cannot get better then they’re bound to get worse.

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What is the price-current of an honest man and patriot to-day? They hesitate, and they regret, and sometimes they petition; but they do nothing in earnest and with effect. They will wait, well disposed, for others to remedy the evil, that they may no longer have it to regret. At most, they give only a cheap vote, and a feeble countenance and Godspeed, to the right, as it goes by them. There are nine hundred and ninety-nine patrons of virtue to one virtuous man; but it is easier to deal with the real possessor of a thing than with the temporary guardian of it…

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It is not a man's duty, as a matter of course, to devote himself to the eradication of any, even the most enormous wrong; he may still properly have other concerns to engage him; but it is his duty, at least, to wash his hands of it, and, if he gives it no thought longer, not to give it practically his support. If I devote myself to other pursuits and contemplations, I must first see, at least, that I do not pursue them sitting upon another man's shoulders. I must get off him first, that he may pursue his contemplations too. See what gross inconsistency is tolerated. … The soldier is applauded who refuses to serve in an unjust war by those who do not refuse to sustain the unjust government which makes the war; is applauded by those whose own act and authority he disregards and sets at naught; as if the state were penitent to that degree that it hired one to scourge it while it sinned, but not to that degree that it left off sinning for a moment. Thus, under the name of Order and Civil Government, we are all made at last to pay homage to and support our own meanness. After the first blush of sin comes its indifference; and from immoral it becomes, as it were, unmoral, and not quite unnecessary to that life which we have made….

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Oct 20
Chase Mandra Chase Mandra (Oct 20 2020 1:44PM) : Man doesn't solve any problems of the world. He would rather resolve the blame that would be put on him from this issue. more

This says a lot about society and how we deal with our problems. This is specifically talking about the government however it could be applied to a majority of subjects. It states that we a greed driven people. Claiming we only take interest for our own self benefit, not to actually help solve the problem.

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Oct 26
Myra Stevens Myra Stevens (Oct 26 2020 9:47PM) : Individualism and greed more

The greediness of the people show how selfish they truly are. They’d rather resolve blame than fix the issue. This is a problem, because we are trying to deal with issues to make this country better and not push them to the side for later. This is a really good example because it really shows individualism and how they only think for themselves.

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Oct 27
jacie owens jacie owens (Oct 27 2020 1:28PM) : Romantic Ideals more

In this quote, Thoreau argues that no man is obligated to fight against injustice. All people reserve the right to be silent or even disagree with any given protest. This demonstrates the romantic ideals of free thought and individualism. He argues that even when the majority believes one thing is morally correct everyone is still allowed to make decisions for themselves. This relates to our current society. Everyone has the right to free speech without suppression from the government which is something that Thoreau argues for in Civil Disobedience.

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Oct 27
Ms. Jones chico wilson Ms. Jones chico wilson (Oct 27 2020 8:10PM) : Background knowledge of the quote it’s self more

I agree with this as you imply that there is a romantic background that glorifies the quote in which the society should have the freedom as well for the civil disobedience

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Oct 27
Feras Hamayel Feras Hamayel (Oct 27 2020 11:46PM) : Individualism, A Romantic Ideal more

Thoreau in this sentence is clearly pointing out the importance of Individualism. He does this when saying, that the only true way to pursue your goals is to do it alone,and not cheat your way to them. He is trying to make the point that if you really have a hunger for your goals, and dreams, then you need to reach them with your own will. He is not just talking about personal goals, but just how we perceive life in General, and learn to be Independent. He stresses the importance of being independent and not necessarily needing anyone to reach your own ambitions. It’s not always the destination that counts, but how you get there.

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Unjust laws exist; shall we be content to obey them, or shall we endeavor to amend them, and obey them until we have succeeded, or shall we transgress them at once? Men generally, under such a government as this, think that they ought to wait until they have persuaded the majority to alter them. They think that, if they should resist, the remedy would be worse than the evil. But it is the fault of the government itself that the remedy is worse than the evil. It makes it worse. Why is it not more apt to anticipate and provide for reform? Why does it not cherish its wise minority? Why does it cry and resist before it is hurt? Why does it not encourage its citizens to be on the alert to point out its faults, and do better than it would have them? …

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Oct 20
Aidan Weaver Aidan Weaver (Oct 20 2020 1:35PM) : Despite measures meant to prevent them, unjust laws exist. [Edited] more

This paragraph insists that the government doesn’t give enough minority power. This somewhat reflects the views of Anti-Federalists during the founding of the US. He also states that according to most people, abiding by unfair laws and rules are the lesser of two evils- the other being the result of repealing or revising the law. To some extent, this can be related to modern politics, of people insisting that although Trump is bad, Biden is also bad, so it’s down to picking the lesser of the two evils.

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Oct 20
Rowen Grison Sullivan Rowen Grison Sullivan (Oct 20 2020 1:59PM) : Individual more

The idea of a minority also can be shrunk even further to the individual. A focus on individuals is one of the core values of Romantics. Often in life, we must choose between two bad choices. We simply must look at them and try to see which is worse than the other. This allows free thought but if we go based on the majority then we ignore completely the opinion of the minority.

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Oct 20
Ronan Looney Ronan Looney (Oct 20 2020 4:20PM) : Best line in my opinion-Call to action more

This line is following a rant by Thoreau discussing the general inaction of the people. In the line itself he asks why a government even a republic will fight to prevent its citizens from questioning its failures. Currently many governments both have laws against spreading misinformation about the current virus and are many have failed dealing with the virus itself leading to many deaths. While it in most democratic societies are not used to silence the people and protect the current government. In authoritarian nations like China or others it is not used sparingly to help save the lives of the people but to protect the power of those in power. Any government, organization or person will have flaws and can be reformed but much of those in charge of it will be unable to. Because of the troubles with understanding what can change it is the duty of everyone to both do better and try to help change those around you to better themselves through constructive critism.

Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison. The proper place to-day, the only place which Massachusetts has provided for her freer and less desponding spirits, is in her prisons, to be put out and locked out of the State by her own act, as they have already put themselves out by their principles. It is there that the fugitive slave, and the Mexican prisoner on parole, and the Indian come to plead the wrongs of his race, should find them; on that separate, but more free and honorable ground, where the State places those who are not with her, but against her — the only house in a slave State in which a free man can abide with honor. If any think that their influence would be lost there, and their voices no longer afflict the ear of the State, that they would not be as an enemy within its walls, they do not know by how much truth is stronger than error, nor how much more eloquently and effectively he can combat injustice who has experienced a little in his own person. Cast your whole vote, not a strip of paper merely, but your whole influence. A minority is powerless while it conforms to the majority; it is not even a minority then; but it is irresistible when it clogs by its whole weight. If the alternative is to keep all just men in prison, or give up war and slavery, the State will not hesitate which to choose. If a thousand men were not to pay their tax-bills this year, that would not be a violent and bloody measure, as it would be to pay them, and enable the State to commit violence and shed innocent blood. This is, in fact, the definition of a peaceable revolution, if any such is possible. If the tax-gatherer, or any other public officer, asks me, as one has done, "But what shall I do?" my answer is, "If you really wish to do anything, resign your office." When the subject has refused allegiance, and the officer has resigned his office, then the revolution is accomplished. But even suppose blood should flow. 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…

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Oct 28
Feras Hamayel Feras Hamayel (Oct 28 2020 10:11AM) : Best line more

This is the best line in my opinion, because it shows how corrupt a Government can be. In this sentence thoreau is practically stating that the laws in this country are so unjust that the same place for a criminal, and a do gooder is Prison. Thoreau is showing here that the system is flawed and is shedding light on the changes that needs to happen later on in the paragraph. Thoreau not only is showing the corruption of the Government, but in a way is asking for people to have the courage to stand up to these unjust laws. For people to have the courage to make a shift in the system of government that is fair to everyone. Not matter the skin color, race, or language attached to the person.

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Oct 20
Rowen Grison Sullivan Rowen Grison Sullivan (Oct 20 2020 1:53PM) : Best line more

The majority doesn’t work when it overlooks the values of the minorities swept along with it.
We imprison, ignore, and sentence those that clog the flow of the majority. So, those individuals who simply want to live and find their place are swept along as well.
The focus on the individual is taken away when the majority comes through. A few people who simply have more number River rule any say the little guy gets. How can one find themselves let alone their place in the world when they are not even being heard.

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Oct 21
Tuong Dang Tuong Dang (Oct 21 2020 8:39PM) : Romantic Individualism more

In this line, Thoreau is talking about how the person is not powerful when they hide their ideas and conforms with the majority. This is an example of Romanticism because the era believed in the importance of the individual, and this line is Thoreau stating that the individual has more power having his own ideas and speaking about them than rather join a group’s ideas and having theirs rendered useless.

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The authority of government, even such as I am willing to submit to — for I will cheerfully obey those who know and can do better than I, and in many things even those who neither know nor can do so well — is still an impure one: to be strictly just, it must have the sanction and consent of the governed. It can have no pure right over my person and property but what I concede to it. The progress from an absolute to a limited monarchy, from a limited monarchy to a democracy, is a progress toward a true respect for the individual. Even the Chinese philosopher was wise enough to regard the individual as the basis of the empire. Is a democracy, such as we know it, the last improvement possible in government? Is it not possible to take a step further towards recognizing and organizing the rights of man? There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly. I please myself with imagining a State at least which can afford to be just to all men, and to treat the individual with respect as a neighbor; which even would not think it inconsistent with its own repose if a few were to live aloof from it, not meddling with it, nor embraced by it, who fulfilled all the duties of neighbors and fellow-men. A State which bore this kind of fruit, and suffered it to drop off as fast as it ripened, would prepare the way for a still more perfect and glorious State, which also I have imagined, but not yet anywhere seen.

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Dec 9
Jacob Hankin Jacob Hankin (Dec 09 2020 7:33PM) : Best line more

I think this is the best line of this passage as he convincingly argues that the individual is the most important part of a nation. Thoreau says that even though he is willing to listen to the government, as those in government do better than he can. However, he claims that the authority of the government is still impure and corrupt, and that the people need to consent to this impurity. Because the people must have the sanction, they are the prominent and most important aspect of the country. He truly believes that the individual is superior and wishes everyone to be equal, which is shown in this sentence.

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Oct 20
Rowen Grison Sullivan Rowen Grison Sullivan (Oct 20 2020 1:47PM) : Romantic Belief [Edited] more

This sentence demonstrates the Romantic belief of the importance of the individual.
Even going so far as to say that the State’s power comes from the individuals themselves.
To reach the ultimate goal of finding yourself and your place in the world can only happen when the government realizes and accepts that compared to this goal they are nothing; without this goal, they have no power, and life would be meaningless. So, they must allow people to find their way without interfering because that is the only way they will retain their power.

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Oct 21
Rejanae Wells Rejanae Wells (Oct 21 2020 5:38PM) : Individualism more

Thoreau wants the government understand the importance of the individual. The government would not be government if it was not for the people. In this sentence Thoreau shares the belief of importance like The Romantics. He wants the government to respect his individualism and the power that the people have. He wants the government to allow the people to go about their business without being governed. Thoreau just wants the government to pull back on control they have over the people.

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Oct 22
Jonathan SanchezHuanca Jonathan SanchezHuanca (Oct 22 2020 12:48AM) : Best Line, a conclusion to the author's thoughts [Edited] more

I believe that this is the best line of the excerpt. as ideas from this sentence even rain truly to today in many ways. it shows how the treatment of the government has turned into a body where it dictates what each person can or can’t do so much it starts seeming like there almost isn’t much room to be an individual.;. This has led the author to only wish that each person could be their own individual. without such tight rules restrictions or regulations.

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Oct 28
Feras Hamayel Feras Hamayel (Oct 28 2020 10:25AM) : Reply- Restriction of Individualism more

I agree with this. I see how it even connects to America’s situation today. Where one family gets treated differently based on financial stability, while another family may get judged on Race, or Religion, etc. All of these factors would result in the slight discrimination of the people by the Government. I also feel that Thoreau is hoping for not just the government to get along with the people, but the people to get along with each other as well. He is imagining a place that is nowhere today, a place where everyone gets treated the same no matter what situation they’re in. He is wishing for something that today seems so far away, but only if people had the courage to stand up to the government then His dreams would be achieved. Not to the point of rebellion, but to the point of speaking out more, if that makes sense.

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Oct 26
Myra Stevens Myra Stevens (Oct 26 2020 9:34PM) : Best line, concluded Thoreau's point more

I really feel like this is the best line, because it represents the overall thought and message he is trying to convey to his readers. In this sentence he says, “…and to treat the individual with respect as a neighbor”. He is talking about how the government is extremely controlling and limits the actions of its citizens. This is why he wants individualism for all, so everyone can be equal.

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Dec 9
Jacob Hankin Jacob Hankin (Dec 09 2020 7:41PM) : Reply more

I think this is one of the best lines from this passage and I agree with this comment. This idea that one should “treat the individual with respect as a neighbor” comes up in religion frequently. I feel as though he is addressing the government somewhat, as leaders do not always treat their subjects well and I think Thoreau might be responding to that. I agree that the government is controlling, as one can see in many cases throughout history and even today.

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Oct 27
jacie owens jacie owens (Oct 27 2020 12:14AM) : Best line [Edited] more

This is the best line in the text because it sums up his entire argument. It says that a state that allows freedom of the people and respect for all opinions is a good state. By saying this he argues that there should not be an oppressive government but instead a welcoming and accepting community where everyone can express their own individuality.

DMU Timestamp: October 16, 2020 17:16

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Oct 20
Ms. Sara Jones Ms. Sara Jones (Oct 20 2020 11:50AM) : INSTRUCTIONS more

Read the entire text
Make one substantial comment on the text that focuses on the way in which this text demonstrates Romantic and/or Transcendentalist ideals.
Make one substantial comment discussing the best line in the text.
Make one substantial reply to someone else’s ideas.
Include ALL THREE levels of analysis in your comments. This means that they will each be 6+ lines long, at least.
Due by next Wednesday at 10:30am (though the quicker you finish, the less overwhelmed you’ll be…).

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