In this reading Thoreau explains that he is not really a huge fan of the government. He understands that there has to be one but he would prefer if the government was involved in a little as possible. He does not like a government that is to controlling or that wants to be involved in every aspect of people’s lives. Thoreau is strongly against the fact that people still support their government even when the government partakes in a wrong doing. This for me is difficult to take, only in the fact that, it is hard for a citizen to truly stand up to the government. Really what now a days can someone really do to voice there opinion besides, letters to the Editor, and talking about issues to others. Some of Thoreau’s suggestions as a way of going against the government out of anger might not necessarily be a wise choice in today’s society. For example not paying your taxes, that could get people into serious trouble. One line that really stood out for me was the line about his thoughts on military matters “The mass of men serve thus, not as men mainly, but as machines, with their bodies” (Thoreau 139). This really stood out for me and got me to think about what it must truly be like for the men at war. What it is like to train all day everyday in order to be in a ready standing army. Thoreau strongly feels that people should get to decide how their government should be run, “…Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it” (Thoreau 138). He had many strong views but I am not to sure that I would be able to agree with everything that he says in relation to today’s world.
Thoreau David Henry. “Civil disobedience.” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St Martin’s, 2006.pp 133-157.
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5 comments:
You are right in that it would be really hard for individuals to act against the government. Still though, I think that Thoreau is right in that people who believe that the government is doing wrong should have a way to voice their opinions.
You had a really good understanding of Thoreau's beliefs, and I agree with you in that some of his radical suggestions wouldn't really work in today's society. Good Job!!
i also agree with you and i think that thoreau's beleifs are true that sometime a person that is apart of a goverment sometimes need to stand up if that goverment is not doing thing that the person feel is right.
I agree that it might be hard to stand up to the government but if you speak up others might feel the same and a solution in favor of the people may be reached
You had an excellent grasp of the reading, and your blog was very well written. However, i disagre with you, i do think people can change the government, if they try hard enough.
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