Thoreau begins Civil Disobedience by contemplating the best form of government, suggesting that the most effective government is one that does not govern at all. He urges readers to question the purpose of a permanent government like that of the U.S., likening it to a standing army that serves the interests of a few wealthy individuals rather than the common good. He criticizes the American government for worsening problems and failing to manage the country properly, crediting the American people—not the government—with the nation's successes.

Ideal Government and the Role of the State

Thoreau engages with William Paley’s argument for submission to civil government, dismissing the notion that resistance is unacceptable if it inconveniences the public. He argues that doing what is right often requires difficult and dangerous action, and people should strive to enact justice even if it causes personal or societal hardship.

Countering Paley’s Argument for Submission

Thoreau makes his first appeal to his fellow citizens, calling for a government that serves the people better. He emphasizes that the power to rule lies with the people, who must reclaim their ability to think and act as independent individuals first, and subjects second. He challenges the American people to reject blind obedience to the government and instead think critically about the laws and the justice they uphold.

The Need for a Better Government

Thoreau observes that wealthy individuals are often more loyal to the state because they have more to lose. He reflects on the difficulties that come with civil disobedience, such as imprisonment and loss of property, but argues that self-reliance and detachment from wealth are necessary for true freedom.

Wealth as a Barrier to Civil Disobedience

Thoreau argues that people who desire justice may have to break the law and risk becoming "bad" citizens. He contends that, if the state is abusing its power—such as through the protection of slavery—citizens are justified in resisting. Thoreau urges people to rebel against a government that oppresses and perpetuates injustice, calling for the dismantling of any system that enforces slavery or war.

Civil Disobedience and the Law

Thoreau acknowledges that while it may not be everyone’s duty to right every wrong, people still have a responsibility to reject participation in institutions that perpetuate injustice. He condemns those who rely on the government to make changes, arguing that individuals should take direct steps to address problems themselves. He stresses that merely petitioning or voting for change is insufficient, and instead advocates for more concrete resistance.

Individual Responsibility for Justice

Thoreau asserts that individuals have the right to evaluate the government’s actions from a higher moral vantage point, without being swayed by patriotism or historical precedent. He encourages people to seek pure sources of truth to guide their judgments and to avoid blind loyalty to the government, even to foundational documents like the Constitution.

Judgment of the State’s Actions

Thoreau calls for citizens to stop financially supporting the state by refusing to pay taxes or work for the government. He believes that even small acts of defiance, such as tax resistance, could bring about significant change, such as ending slavery. Thoreau recounts his own refusal to pay a poll tax, which led to his imprisonment, and describes how this experience gave him a new perspective on his community and neighbors.

Tax Resistance as Civil Disobedience

Turning his attention to Massachusetts, Thoreau criticizes its citizens for caring more about business and farming than taking action to end slavery or the Mexican-American War. He condemns their passive reliance on ineffective methods such as voting and petitioning, which he sees as inadequate for real change. He worries that Americans are too passive in general, and challenges them to engage in more direct actions against injustice.

Criticism of Massachusetts’ Apathy

In his conclusion, Thoreau calls for a government that rules fairly with the consent of the people. He argues that the state should recognize each citizen as an independent and higher authority, and that this respect for individual autonomy is the foundation of a truly free, wise, and just society.

Conclusion: A Fair and Just Government

We must affect our country as our parents, and if at any time we alienate our love or industry from doing it honor, we must respect effects and teach the soul matter of conscience and religion and not desire of rule or benefit.

Full Summary of Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau

A Book that Transformed America“Friendship is first, Friendship last. But it is equally impossible to forget our Friends, and to make them answer to our ideal.”- Civil Disobedience, Henry David Thoreau Civil Disobedience was Thoreau's first published book and continues to transform American discourse. It is unusual for its symbolism and structure, its criticism of Christian institutions, and its many-layered storytelling. This Xist Classics edition has been professionally formatted for e-readers with a linked table of contents. This eBook also contains a bonus book club leadership guide and discussion questions. We hope you’ll share this book with your friends, neighbors and colleagues and can’t wait to hear what you have to say about it.Xist Publishing is a digital-first publisher. Xist Publishing creates books for the touchscreen generation and is dedicated to helping everyone develop a lifetime love of reading, no matter what form it takes.