Civil Disobedience written by legendary author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau is widely considered to be one of the top essays of all time. This great classic which argues that people should not permit governments to overrule will surely attract a whole new generation of readers. For many, Civil Disobedience is required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic literature, this text by Henry David Thoreau is highly recommended. Published by Classic Books America and beautifully produced, Civil Disobedience would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone's personal library.
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Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience was originally published in 1849 as Resistance to Civil Government. Thoreau wrote this classic essay to advocate public resistance to the laws and acts of government that he considered unjust. The practical application of Civil Disobedience was largely ignored until the twentieth century when, at different times, Modanda Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and anti-Vietnam War activists applied Thoreau's principles.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
About the Author
Henry David Thoreau was born in 1817 in Concord, Massachusetts. He spent time as a school teacher after attending Harvard College but was dismissed for his refusal to administer corporal punishment. In 1845, wanting to write his first book, he moved to Walden Pond and built his cabin on land owned by Ralph Waldo Emerson. It was during his time at Walden that Thoreau was imprisoned briefly for not paying taxes; this experience became the basis for his well-known essay "Civil Disobedience." He died of tuberculosis in 1862 at the age of 44.
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
109 of 112 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Civil Disobedience is one of the most importance works of philosophy ever written. Like all great works of philosophy, it is as relevant today as it has ever been, as it transcends space and time. Don't let the abolitionist nature mislead you: this book is not merely about abolition and slavery. Rather, it is about Man Against the State, individuality, and Thoreau's philosophy of how one man can stand up to government and society, driven by his own convictions of right and wrong, as summarized by the timeless quote "Any man more right than his neighbors constitutes a majority of one already".
Thoreau's main point is that the best - and many times, the only - method for fighting injustice is through passive disobedience. By refusing to cooperate with the machinery of injustice, the individual can become the friction that stops the machine. Active resistance is bound for failure, as the machine (the State, society, etc.) is too formidable for the individual to fight. But, by refusing to cooperate, justice can be achieved and injustice toppled.
If you are looking for a marvelous primer on individuality and the fight for justice, start with this book.
Thoreau's main point is that the best - and many times, the only - method for fighting injustice is through passive disobedience. By refusing to cooperate with the machinery of injustice, the individual can become the friction that stops the machine. Active resistance is bound for failure, as the machine (the State, society, etc.) is too formidable for the individual to fight. But, by refusing to cooperate, justice can be achieved and injustice toppled.
If you are looking for a marvelous primer on individuality and the fight for justice, start with this book.
43 of 44 people found the following review helpful
"It is not so desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right."-Henry David Thoreau
February 27, 2009
Format:Paperback
In "Civil Disobedience" Thoreau presents political theories in which he dissects democracy and the interaction between citizens and their government.
Understandably, Thoreau was deeply concerned about injustices he witnessed during his life, such as enslavement of one sixth of the population and the invasion of Mexico by the United States.
Thoreau does not oppose the institution of government; he believes that when a government becomes "abused and perverted", it ceases to represent the will of the people. When a government makes decisions that promulgate harm and injustice, it is the duty of its citizens to rebel and break those chains of injustices.
Arguably, the strongest idea Thoreau presents, is the notion of individualism. Thoreau encourages skepticism of the government and rejects blind loyalty to it. Thoreau perceives citizens, who give blind loyalty to their government's decisions without questioning them, as participants in every injustice committed by that government. Whether this point of view is correct or not, it is worth debating, especially in view of the horrific injustices that are extant in today's world and the way the masses so easily accept them without considering the negative impact on others.
Understandably, Thoreau was deeply concerned about injustices he witnessed during his life, such as enslavement of one sixth of the population and the invasion of Mexico by the United States.
Thoreau does not oppose the institution of government; he believes that when a government becomes "abused and perverted", it ceases to represent the will of the people. When a government makes decisions that promulgate harm and injustice, it is the duty of its citizens to rebel and break those chains of injustices.
Arguably, the strongest idea Thoreau presents, is the notion of individualism. Thoreau encourages skepticism of the government and rejects blind loyalty to it. Thoreau perceives citizens, who give blind loyalty to their government's decisions without questioning them, as participants in every injustice committed by that government. Whether this point of view is correct or not, it is worth debating, especially in view of the horrific injustices that are extant in today's world and the way the masses so easily accept them without considering the negative impact on others.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a thoroughly American view on political theory given the emphasis on the individual coupled with the call for civil disobedience. Definitely not for the faint hearted, go into this with a grasp of the events of the day and a willingness to read the entire essay at least twice to fully appreciate Thoreau's points.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Civil Disobedience Revisited
Revisiting this classic is increasingly important as political unrest and coups appear world-wide. The straight-forward dissertations, while HDT wrote them during another... Read more
Published 2 days ago by Alex
One of the most important American essays ever written.
Henry David Thoreau, <strong>Civil Disobedience</strong> (CreateSpace, 1849)
I have put off releasing my best reads of 2011 list for all these months because I... Read more
I have put off releasing my best reads of 2011 list for all these months because I... Read more
Published 20 days ago by Robert P. Beveridge
"That government is best which governs least."
In Civil Disobedience, first published in 1849, Henry David Thoreau asserts that when a government acts in a way contrary to the conscience of one of its individual subjects, that... Read more
Published 21 days ago by Karl Janssen
They just don't write 'em like this anymore
This book is a classic. It should be required reading for every student in America!
It's an easy read and worth the time to do so.
It's an easy read and worth the time to do so.
Published 27 days ago by Mama Lou
Interesting but dated
I like the things that were talked about - small government, rule of the people, free rights, anti-war and libertarian views but I found the language and presentation kind of dated... Read more
Published 2 months ago by buckeye_state
Individualist Theory Still Relavant
This is a very interesting essay that has to do with the man against the State. It is not solely about slavery but it is touched upon in the essay. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Damon163
Be carefull to not to go to prison
Thoreau is considered (one of) the Anarchism's father. This book influnced people like Proudhon and others. Read more
Published 5 months ago by F. Monte
Right to Resistance
Civil Disobedience Review
Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau is one of the most important philosophical pieces of work man has ever seen. Read more
Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau is one of the most important philosophical pieces of work man has ever seen. Read more
Published 5 months ago by bouleyab
A Great Thinker
I think this version of the text is roughly 32 pages in length
Pros:
The hardcover is actually quite nice
Maybe 1/4" thick. Read more
Pros:
The hardcover is actually quite nice
Maybe 1/4" thick. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Michael Briones
Interesting, but maybe not the best tactic.
I find it easier to understand Thoreau's perspective if I first try to forget the fact that I already know his future. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Charlie J. Cato
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