Show Thoreau’s opinion about paying taxes.
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
Show Thoreau’s opinion about paying taxes. [2021] ✪✪✪
Or, What does Thoreau say about paying taxes? [2016]
Or, How did Thoreau protest against his government? [2015]
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) links taxes with moral duty and conscience in his essay “Civil Disobedience” (1849). He refuses money for unjust laws and wars. He sees payment as help to oppression and slavery. So, he resists taxes that fund apparent wrongs. His stand is calm, firm, and principled.
Moral Basis: Thoreau asserts that conscience must guide every financial decision. He trusts right over law or majority desire. He asks,
“Can there not be a government… but conscience?”
Thus, money should never be used to aid evil acts. If taxes support injustice, refusal becomes a duty. He treats payment as a moral choice, not a habit.
Refusal Act: Thoreau refused to pay the state poll tax. He accepted jail as the fair, honest cost. He writes,
“Under a government which imprisons any unjustly…” the just man’s place is prison.
So prison proves the protest is serious and sincere. Refusal exposes the State’s weakness before conscience.
Selective Payment: He pays the highway tax for neighbors’ good. Roads help all and do not fund oppression. But broad state taxes backed slavery and war. He insists,
“Cast your whole vote… your whole influence.”
Withholding taxes is his full, practical vote. Thus, payment differs by purpose and moral effect.
Peaceable Pressure: Thoreau advocates for a calm, collective refusal of taxes. He believes many honest refusals could stop slavery. He calls this a peaceful, bloodless revolution. He says action beats passive ballots and weak wishes. Real change needs sacrifice, not petitions or symbols.
In short, Thoreau’s tax view is clear and consistent. Pay for shared goods; refuse for shared wrongs. Let conscience lead the purse and the risk. Thus, justice rises, and empty loyalty fades.