Civil Disobedience and the Abusive Power of Government Essay -- Thorea

gracious Disobedience and the Abusive Power of Goernment In response to the appropriation of Texas in 1845 by the United States, Henry David Thoreaus wrote the analyze, Civil Disobedience. Thoreau felt that this purely economic move by the United States expedited the Civil War, which he, and many Americans, disapproved of. In his essay, Thoreau argues that authorities should not be in control of the plenty and that the people should be able to rule themselves freely however they please. In addition, he clearly states and points out that in many instances it is best when individual rights cultivate priority over state authority. Very often, the best authors, whether it be of a novel or an essay, clearly state their opinions and facts using various literary techniques and devices. From reading other Thoreau works, such as excerpts from Walden and Excursions, I was able to vulgarise that he has his avouch unique, unmatched paper style. Most ordinary and unoriginal writers s tart their essays with long, tedious descriptions of the point they are trying to convey. But same all great writers and thinkers, Thoreau begins his essay with a strong, captivating sentence That presidency is best which governs least (222). Thoreaus opening line grabs and lets the reader know what topic(s) the essay will be discussing. As it turns out, this opening sentence is the basis for the slumber of his essay as he encourages individuals to take responsibility for keeping the government in constant check. He believes that the best way for a arena and its people to survive is if individuals are willing to exert control over the government and not be ruled like sheep. Part of Thoreaus writing style includes using examples to justify his op... ...are fighting for. When he talks active the evils of slavery, Thoreau states that When the majority shall at length vote for the abolition of slavery, it will be because they are indifferent to slavery, or because there is but l ittle slavery left to be abolished by their vote. They will then be the hardly slaves. Only his vote can hasten the abolition of slavery who asserts his own freedom by his vote (226). As a dedicated abolitionist, he believes that only individuals hold the power to end slavery. He thinks that you cannot depend on the government to stop slavery because it thinks as a whole, and not as individuals. As he concludes his essay, Thoreaus main point is that individual power should be greater than that of the government. Thoreaus observation, That government is best which governs least continues to be as uncoiled today as the day it was written.