They both followed their consciences as every free man should be allowed to do. The quick answer to this is that Thoreau says the only obligation he has the right to assume is
the obligation to follow his own conscience
.
What is the rule obligation by which Thoreau lives?
6)What is the rule/obligation by which Thoreau lives? He lived by
the rule of always doing what he thinks is right, putting man first and a subject after.
What about majority rule does Thoreau have a problem with what is the only obligation he feels he must commit to?
Explain what Thoreau thinks is wrong with majority rule. What does he say is the only obligation he has a right to assume? …
He thinks that he has the obligation to only do what he believes is right
. Thoreau says a man does not have a duty to eradicate wrong, but he does have the duty “to wash his hands of it.
What does Thoreau mean when he says we should be men first and subjects afterward cite specific details from the essay to support your response?
(paragraph 4) Explain what Thoreau means when he states, “I think that we should be men first, and subjects afterward.
It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law
, so much as for the right.” Thoreau means that before becoming “slaves” to the government’s system, we should first be men.
What does Thoreau envision as a truly just government?
Thoreau sums up his political ideas about ideal government. What does he envision as a truly just government? He envisions
a government that has the consent of the governed
, that respects the individual as “a higher and independent power,” and that is just to all people.
What is the main source of greatness in a person?
Terms in this set (15) What is the main source of greatness in a person, according to Emerson?
Your individuality, yourself
.
What were his feelings about the government while he was in jail?
How did his imprisonment affect his feelings about the government?
He refused to pay his poll tax. In jail he lost respect for the state.
… People would live by their own rules without regard for the law, and no one person or group would have control.
What is Thoreau’s solution?
Thoreau’s solution to
reform the government develops the idea of the relationship between the individual and the state
, by suggesting that people are not bound to obey the government. If a government allows injustice, the individual can and should resist it.
Why does Thoreau look down upon soldiers captains and generals?
7)Why does Thoreau look down on soldiers, captains, generals, etc.?
Because they follow and serve even if they don’t believe in what the law
is or if it goes against common sense. He says, “Soldiers have no opportunity to exercise moral sense, reduced to the existence comparable to that of a horse or dog.”
What is Thoreau’s central message in Walden?
Thoreau’s central message in Walden is
to live simply, independently, and wisely
.
What does Thoreau say about men subjects?
(paragraph 4) Explain what Thoreau means when he states, “
I think that we should be men first, and subjects afterward
. It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right.” Thoreau means that before becoming “slaves” to the government’s system, we should first be men.
What type of government does Thoreau want?
How does Thoreau define the best possible kind of government? Thoreau envisions the best kind of government as on that does not govern. He supports
laissez-faire (free enterprise, free trade, noninterfering)
.
How does it become a man to behave?
How does it become a man to behave toward this American government to-day? I answer, that
he cannot without disgrace be associated with it
. I cannot for an instant recognize that political organization as my government which is the slave’s government also.
What Thoreau finds wrong with majority rule?
Thoreau finds wrong with majority rule because
it decides against justice with what the people want rather then the self conscience deciding what’s wrong and right
. The only obligation he is to assume is at any time to decide what it right. Thoreau was pitt into jail because he refused to conform and pay his taxes.
What is the political assumption behind Thoreau’s belief in one honest man?
‘” Thoreau means that
government should trust its own people to make their own decisions or Ideally that people would not need governments at all
.
What does the majority of one mean?
The “majority of one” you refer to is Thoreau’s way of saying it is
the thoughts and beliefs of you that truly matter
. He is expressing the idea of Individualism defeating conformity.
