Do you think Thoreau’s concept of civil disobedience can exist harmoniously with a democratic government?
Civil Disobedience is a notable literary work by Henry David Thoreau. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Civil Disobedience.
Answer
Do you think Thoreau’s concept of civil disobedience can exist harmoniously with a democratic government? [2019]
Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) presents a deep moral question about the relation between conscience and government in “Civil Disobedience” (1849). He lived in a democratic country, yet he protested against its injustice. His idea of civil disobedience does not destroy democracy but purifies it. He wanted a government that respects truth and human rights. Through peaceful resistance and moral courage, Thoreau shows how true democracy must grow from justice, not blind obedience. He proposes very public-welfare-oriented ideas, but the effectiveness of such advice in politics, centered on votes and power, is questionable.
Basis of Civil Disobedience: Thoreau begins with the belief that government often becomes a tool of injustice. He says,
“That government is best which governs least.”
This means that people, rather than institutions, are the true source of power. A government should only guide, not control, human freedom. His protest against slavery and the Mexican War shows that when laws harm conscience, citizens must resist peacefully. Such resistance keeps democracy alive by reminding it of its moral limits.
Conscience over Majority: For Thoreau, morality stands higher than majority rule. He asks,
“Can there not be a government in which majorities do not virtually decide right and wrong, but conscience?”
According to the author, a true democracy must listen to conscience, not to numbers. If majorities defend injustice, then individuals must stand firm for what is right. Civil disobedience teaches citizens to obey the inner voice of right. Thus, it can exist peacefully with democracy when guided by reason and conscience.
Duty of the Individual: Thoreau believes that every citizen has a duty to be moral first and obedient later. He writes,
“I think that we should be men first, and subjects afterward.”
Here, he means that personal morality should never bow to political power. A democratic society needs citizens who act according to their conscience.Unlock this study guide now
