Analysis Of Henry David Thoreau's Resistance To Civil Government

In his essay, “Resistance to Civil Government,” Henry David Thoreau expresses his disdain and discontentment with the American government for its involvement with the Mexican War and for its legal upholding of slavery. Thoreau begins his essay with saying, “That government is best which governs least,” but goes on to add that he does not necessarily support an anarchic “no-government” state, but rather a “better” state, a state in which shows respect to its citizens and “recognizes the rights of man.” A state that does not meet these simple demands, according to Thoreau, is a state worth standing up against, rebelling against, and even worth breaking the law for. However, despite his resentful tone and call for change, Thoreau acknowledges

His issue is not with authority but with “unjust” and “impure” authority, which Thoreau argues is greatly worth resisting.

Thoreau’s call against authority is not limited to an “unjust” government alone, but also to those who mindlessly serve it (and call themselves “good citizens”) and even to those who have minor positions within that government. These people, as Thoreau says, are “such a man as an American government can make” (844). Thoreau questions if these people are even human, and compares them to having the same worth as “horses and dogs.” These people are devout in their service to their country and to their government, but, as Thoreau acknowledges, a slight shift in purpose and distinction, and these people are likely to “serve the devil, without intending it, as God” (845). Even with a

Thoreau understands that it is not the people’s sole responsibility to dedicate their lives in fighting corruption and social injustice, but he does hint at the importance of educating oneself on such matters. Doing so would ensure some change and progression that goes beyond simply voting, which, according to Thoreau, is not enough. In the text, he says, “Even voting for the right is doing nothing for it” (846). Some people, however, may either think this is enough or may be confident enough in the majority’s opinion to decide legislation, but this is imprudent to consider for “a wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority” (846-847). This is what gives power to the government and allows the government to do as it pleases with its citizens. In other words, this is what creates the “authority” within