Civil Disobedience

Synopsis

Sparked by thoreau’s outrage at american slavery and the american-mexican war, civil disobedience is a call for every citizen to value his conscience above his government. Within this 19th century essay, thoreau explains government of any sort – including democracy – does not possess more wisdom or justice than its individual citizens, and that it is every citizen’s responsibility to avoid acquiescence. More than an essay, civil disobedience is a call to action for all citizens to refuse to participate in, or encourage in any way, an unjust institution.