Civil Disobedience, Henry David Thoreau
Civil Disobedience, Henry David Thoreau
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Civil Disobedience

Author: Henry David Thoreau

Narrator: Philip Ray

Unabridged: 54 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Yashiki Audio

Published: 09/09/2019

Categories: Nonfiction, Philosophy


Synopsis

In the essay ‘Civil Disobedience’ (1849), Henry David Thoreau contends that an individual should not allow the government to overrule their conscience, and that it is incumbent upon every one to avoid acquiescence when the government attempts to make one an agent of injustice. It is thought that his motivation for writing the essay was, at least in part, due to his revulsion with slavery and with the Mexican–American War of 1846 to 1848: "This people must cease to hold slaves, and to make war on Mexico, though it cost them their existence as a people." He also argues that it is not appropriate to postpone one’s opposition to injustice until a future election, but that one ought to rather take immediate action to oppose a system as wicked as slavery.

About Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862), an essayist, poet, philosopher, and anti-slavery activist, is one of the most beloved figures in American literature. He is the author of dozens of books and essays, including On Civil Disobedience, The Maine Woods, and A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Bill on September 07, 2024

I chose Thoreau’s essay Civil Disobedience as my 2018 Fourth of July read, figuring I could write something quick and easy, something about the Resistance, Generalissimo Trump, and the coming Blue Wave. Yada yada yada. Something inspiring and comforting. But it didn’t work out that way. I found Thore......more

Goodreads review by James on January 06, 2020

Book Review I read this nearly twenty years ago in a college course. I recently found my notes and listed a few below, so this isn’t a typical review you’ve seen from me. My reaction to this work is pretty complicated. It had some thought-invoking ideas, but it was boring from a readabil......more

Goodreads review by Jon on December 08, 2023

I have read excerpts from this essay over the years and have finally finished it. I wonder if there is a more timely book - truly the people need to take this book to heart if there is to be any hope of civility ever returning to America. Thoreau points out that passively accepting the political whi......more

Goodreads review by Chris_P on January 13, 2016

Or how to not let yourself be manipulated by any kind of authority.An essay that states some of the basic ideas of being a human being, the way I see it. It should be taught in schools. The progress from a total to a restricted monarchy, and from a restricted monarchy to democracy, is a progress towa......more

Goodreads review by Kat on February 06, 2017

This is a very interesting read. Though the language can seem a bit old and hard to get through and understand the message is important and rings out loud and clear. Many people are content to sit around and wait for the right thing to happen but in order for the right the to happen there must be ac......more