“Civil Disobedience” is an influential essay by Henry David Thoreau, written in 1849, advocating for individual resistance to government injustice. Thoreau argues that people should not permit governments to overrule their consciences and that it is a moral duty to act against unjust laws. He contends that a government that fails to uphold justice forfeits its authority and legitimacy, prompting citizens to refuse compliance.
Thoreau illustrates his philosophy through personal experience, notably his refusal to pay taxes that funded the Mexican-American War, which he opposed. He asserts that individuals must prioritize their moral beliefs over the law, emphasizing that passive compliance perpetuates injustice. Through his essay, Thoreau encourages readers to take a stand and be willing to face penalties for their beliefs.
The implications of “Civil Disobedience” extend beyond Thoreau's time, influencing various civil rights movements and notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. It serves as a rallying call for peaceful resistance and has become a foundational text in discussions about ethics, governance, and the power of individual action against systemic oppression.