Download From Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau

From Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau
1. Interpret, “That government is best which governs least. . . . That government is
best which governs not al all.” What is Thoreau’s view of the role of
government?
2. In the third paragraph, Thoreau advocates a better government. Do you agree
with his idea of a better government? What is your idea of a better government?
3. In your own words explain Thoreaus’s opinion of majority rule. Do you agree
with his position?
4. Thoreau writes, “The only obligation which I have a right to assume, is to do at
any time what I think right.” What are some pros and cons of this philosophy?
5. Evaluate Thoreau’s claim: “Law never made men a whit more just; and, by
means of their respect for it, even the well-disposed are daily made the agents of
injustice.”
6. What is the truth behind the paradox below?
“I saw that, if there was a wall of stone between me and my townsmen,
there was still a more difficult one to climb or break through, before they
could be as free as I was.”
7. Do you think that Thoreau’s response to being imprisoned would be different if
he had spent more than one night in jail?
8. Examine the final paragraph in the excerpt. What type of freedom does Thoreau
desire?
From Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau
1. Interpret, “That government is best which governs least. . . . That government is
best which governs not al all.” What is Thoreau’s view of the role of
government?
2. In the third paragraph, Thoreau advocates a better government. Do you agree
with his idea of a better government? What is your idea of a better government?
3. In your own words explain Thoreaus’s opinion of majority rule. Do you agree
with his position?
4. Thoreau writes, “The only obligation which I have a right to assume, is to do at
any time what I think right.” What are some pros and cons of this philosophy?
5. Evaluate Thoreau’s claim: “Law never made men a whit more just; and, by
means of their respect for it, even the well-disposed are daily made the agents of
injustice.”
6. What is the truth behind the paradox below?
“I saw that, if there was a wall of stone between me and my townsmen,
there was still a more difficult one to climb or break through, before they
could be as free as I was.”
7. Do you think that Thoreau’s response to being imprisoned would be different if
he had spent more than one night in jail?
8. Examine the final paragraph in the excerpt. What type of freedom does Thoreau
desire?