Question
A minority is powerless while it conforms to the majority; it is not even a minority then; but it is irresistible when it clogs by its whole weight. If the alternative is to keep all just men in prison, or give up war and slavery, the State will not hesitate which to choose. If a thousand men were not to pay their tax bills this year, that would not be a violent and bloody measure, as it would be to pay them, and enable the State to commit violence and shed innocent blood.
— “Civil Disobedience,”
Henry David Thoreau
According to Thoreau, how can a minority exercise power?
by following the laws that the majority agree upon
by engaging in violent conflict when necessary
by protesting as a group in a nonviolent way
by ensuring that just people are not imprisoned
— “Civil Disobedience,”
Henry David Thoreau
According to Thoreau, how can a minority exercise power?
by following the laws that the majority agree upon
by engaging in violent conflict when necessary
by protesting as a group in a nonviolent way
by ensuring that just people are not imprisoned
Answers
Answer
According to Thoreau, why would people be justified in not paying their taxes? Check all that apply.
These particular taxes are illegal.
Tax money is funding a violent, unjust war.
The crime that the state is committing is worse than the crime of withholding taxes.
The state refuses to negotiate with war protestors.
Acts of civil disobedience such as withholding taxes are preferable to violent protest.
These particular taxes are illegal.
Tax money is funding a violent, unjust war.
The crime that the state is committing is worse than the crime of withholding taxes.
The state refuses to negotiate with war protestors.
Acts of civil disobedience such as withholding taxes are preferable to violent protest.
Answer
How does your prior knowledge help you better understand “Civil Disobedience”? Give specific examples, and discuss parts of the passage that your pre-reading thought process helped you to understand.
Answer
Which of the following statements are true of both Thoreau’s and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s attitudes toward imprisonment?
Both thought that they had committed a moral and necessary act of defiance.
Both believed that their imprisonment actually showed high respect for the law.
Both reflected that they lost their inner freedom while imprisoned.
Both expressed outrage at their imprisonment.
Both thought that they had committed a moral and necessary act of defiance.
Both believed that their imprisonment actually showed high respect for the law.
Both reflected that they lost their inner freedom while imprisoned.
Both expressed outrage at their imprisonment.
Answer
Which of the following best describes both Thoreau’s and King’s attitudes toward government and civil disobedience?
a belief that government corrupts the individual
a belief that an individual should disobey unjust laws
a promotion of self-reliance and isolation from society
a generally high respect for the law
a belief that government corrupts the individual
a belief that an individual should disobey unjust laws
a promotion of self-reliance and isolation from society
a generally high respect for the law
Answer
How did Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” pave the way for significant events later in history?
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
According to Thoreau, a minority can exercise power **by protesting as a group in a nonviolent way**. Thoreau emphasizes that a minority gains strength by standing firmly against unjust laws and practices rather than conforming to the majority. By collectively refusing to comply with injustice, the minority can become an "irresistible" force.
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
According to Thoreau, people would be justified in not paying their taxes for the following reasons:
1. **Tax money is funding a violent, unjust war.**
2. **The crime that the state is committing is worse than the crime of withholding taxes.**
3. **Acts of civil disobedience such as withholding taxes are preferable to violent protest.**
Thoreau argues against taxation when it supports immoral actions, such as war, and advocates for civil disobedience as a moral stand against such injustices. He does not specifically mention the legality of the taxes or the refusal of the state to negotiate with war protestors in this context.
1. **Tax money is funding a violent, unjust war.**
2. **The crime that the state is committing is worse than the crime of withholding taxes.**
3. **Acts of civil disobedience such as withholding taxes are preferable to violent protest.**
Thoreau argues against taxation when it supports immoral actions, such as war, and advocates for civil disobedience as a moral stand against such injustices. He does not specifically mention the legality of the taxes or the refusal of the state to negotiate with war protestors in this context.
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
My prior knowledge helps in understanding “Civil Disobedience” by providing context about the historical, social, and philosophical background in which Thoreau wrote the essay. Here are a few specific examples and discussions:
1. **Historical Context of the Era**: Knowing that Thoreau wrote “Civil Disobedience” in the 1840s, during a time of significant social upheaval, including the abolitionist movement and debates over the Mexican-American War, enhances understanding of the urgency in his arguments. Thoreau's opposition to the war and slavery is a reflection of contemporary societal issues. This context illuminates his call for individuals to resist unjust laws, as they were directly implicated in supporting systems he viewed as morally wrong.
2. **Philosophical Underpinnings**: Thoreau's ideas are influenced by transcendentalist philosophy, which emphasizes individual conscience and the inherent goodness of people. Recognizing this allows readers to grasp why Thoreau values individual moral judgment over blind adherence to government laws. This understanding helps clarify statements where he discusses following one's conscience as a higher moral obligation than obeying the state.
3. **Civil Disobedience as Nonviolent Resistance**: Prior knowledge of civil rights movements, particularly those led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., who were influenced by Thoreau’s work, helps in understanding the concept of civil disobedience as a powerful, nonviolent method of protest. For example, Thoreau’s assertion that not paying taxes is a nonviolent act aimed at fighting injustice resonates with the principles of modern peaceful protest movements that advocate for social change without resorting to violence.
4. **The Impact of Collective Action**: Understanding social movements and how collective action can lead to significant societal change helps to comprehend Thoreau’s assertion that a unified refusal to pay taxes can possess more power than individual compliance. This idea is echoed in modern protests, where group actions, like those seen in environmental or social justice movements, can disrupt the status quo and galvanize public opinion.
Overall, prior knowledge of historical events, philosophical movements, and the effectiveness of nonviolent protest enriches the reading of "Civil Disobedience," emphasizing its relevance both in Thoreau's time and in contemporary social justice discussions.
1. **Historical Context of the Era**: Knowing that Thoreau wrote “Civil Disobedience” in the 1840s, during a time of significant social upheaval, including the abolitionist movement and debates over the Mexican-American War, enhances understanding of the urgency in his arguments. Thoreau's opposition to the war and slavery is a reflection of contemporary societal issues. This context illuminates his call for individuals to resist unjust laws, as they were directly implicated in supporting systems he viewed as morally wrong.
2. **Philosophical Underpinnings**: Thoreau's ideas are influenced by transcendentalist philosophy, which emphasizes individual conscience and the inherent goodness of people. Recognizing this allows readers to grasp why Thoreau values individual moral judgment over blind adherence to government laws. This understanding helps clarify statements where he discusses following one's conscience as a higher moral obligation than obeying the state.
3. **Civil Disobedience as Nonviolent Resistance**: Prior knowledge of civil rights movements, particularly those led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., who were influenced by Thoreau’s work, helps in understanding the concept of civil disobedience as a powerful, nonviolent method of protest. For example, Thoreau’s assertion that not paying taxes is a nonviolent act aimed at fighting injustice resonates with the principles of modern peaceful protest movements that advocate for social change without resorting to violence.
4. **The Impact of Collective Action**: Understanding social movements and how collective action can lead to significant societal change helps to comprehend Thoreau’s assertion that a unified refusal to pay taxes can possess more power than individual compliance. This idea is echoed in modern protests, where group actions, like those seen in environmental or social justice movements, can disrupt the status quo and galvanize public opinion.
Overall, prior knowledge of historical events, philosophical movements, and the effectiveness of nonviolent protest enriches the reading of "Civil Disobedience," emphasizing its relevance both in Thoreau's time and in contemporary social justice discussions.
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
The statements that are true of both Thoreau's and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s attitudes toward imprisonment are:
1. **Both thought that they had committed a moral and necessary act of defiance.**
- Thoreau wrote "Civil Disobedience" with the belief that refusing to pay taxes was a moral stand against an unjust government. Similarly, King viewed his civil disobedience as a necessary act in the struggle for justice and civil rights.
2. **Both believed that their imprisonment actually showed high respect for the law.**
- Thoreau argued that by refusing to comply with unjust laws and accepting the consequences of imprisonment, he was demonstrating a higher loyalty to justice. King expressed a similar sentiment, stating that unjust laws should be disobeyed and that accepting punishment for such actions reflects respect for the rule of law.
The other two statements—**both reflected that they lost their inner freedom while imprisoned** and **both expressed outrage at their imprisonment**—are not necessarily true in the same way for both figures. While both expressed strong feelings about the injustice of their situations, their overall attitudes toward imprisonment are more nuanced and not merely characterized by a sense of loss of inner freedom or outright outrage. Instead, both used their imprisonment as an opportunity to highlight their causes and advocate for justice.
1. **Both thought that they had committed a moral and necessary act of defiance.**
- Thoreau wrote "Civil Disobedience" with the belief that refusing to pay taxes was a moral stand against an unjust government. Similarly, King viewed his civil disobedience as a necessary act in the struggle for justice and civil rights.
2. **Both believed that their imprisonment actually showed high respect for the law.**
- Thoreau argued that by refusing to comply with unjust laws and accepting the consequences of imprisonment, he was demonstrating a higher loyalty to justice. King expressed a similar sentiment, stating that unjust laws should be disobeyed and that accepting punishment for such actions reflects respect for the rule of law.
The other two statements—**both reflected that they lost their inner freedom while imprisoned** and **both expressed outrage at their imprisonment**—are not necessarily true in the same way for both figures. While both expressed strong feelings about the injustice of their situations, their overall attitudes toward imprisonment are more nuanced and not merely characterized by a sense of loss of inner freedom or outright outrage. Instead, both used their imprisonment as an opportunity to highlight their causes and advocate for justice.
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
The statement that best describes both Thoreau’s and King’s attitudes toward government and civil disobedience is **"a belief that an individual should disobey unjust laws."**
Both Thoreau and King advocated for civil disobedience as a moral imperative when laws are unjust or serve to perpetuate inequality and oppression. They both emphasized the importance of individual conscience and the duty to resist government actions that violate ethical standards. Therefore, this belief is central to their philosophies regarding government and the role of individuals in challenging it.
Both Thoreau and King advocated for civil disobedience as a moral imperative when laws are unjust or serve to perpetuate inequality and oppression. They both emphasized the importance of individual conscience and the duty to resist government actions that violate ethical standards. Therefore, this belief is central to their philosophies regarding government and the role of individuals in challenging it.
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience," published in 1849, has had a profound impact on various social and political movements throughout history. Here are several ways in which his ideas paved the way for significant events later on:
1. **Influence on Nonviolent Resistance**: Thoreau's concept of civil disobedience, which emphasizes nonviolent resistance to unjust laws, provided a philosophical foundation for future leaders advocating for social change. His belief that individuals have a moral duty to resist unjust government actions influenced prominent figures, particularly in the 20th century.
2. **Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement**: King drew inspiration from Thoreau's work, particularly the idea of nonviolent protest. In his "Letter from Birmingham Jail," King referenced Thoreau’s essay and reinforced the notion that individuals must act against unjust laws. This philosophy played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement, leading to significant events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington.
3. **Gandhi and the Struggle for Indian Independence**: Mahatma Gandhi also acknowledged the influence of Thoreau’s writings on his own principles of satyagraha (truth-force), which advocated for nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule in India. Gandhi's successful campaigns against British oppression were informed by Thoreau's ideas about individual conscience and moral action.
4. **Environmental and Social Justice Movements**: Thoreau's emphasis on individual responsibility and moral action resonates in contemporary social and environmental justice movements. His ideas have inspired activists fighting against issues such as climate change, corporate greed, and systemic oppression, often employing civil disobedience to challenge unjust policies.
5. **Legal and Ethical Frameworks**: Thoreau’s ideas have also entered legal discourse, influencing arguments related to individual rights and civil liberties. His moral rationale for disobeying unjust laws has been cited in various Supreme Court cases and legal discussions over civil rights.
6. **Cultural Impact and Educational Curricula**: "Civil Disobedience" has become an integral part of American literature and political thought, often studied in classrooms. This continued discussion of Thoreau's work in educational settings helps to instill the values of dissent and moral action in new generations.
In summary, Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" laid the groundwork for future social movements by promoting the principle that individuals must act according to their conscience in the face of injustice. His ideas have resonated across time, influencing leaders and movements dedicated to achieving justice and equality.
1. **Influence on Nonviolent Resistance**: Thoreau's concept of civil disobedience, which emphasizes nonviolent resistance to unjust laws, provided a philosophical foundation for future leaders advocating for social change. His belief that individuals have a moral duty to resist unjust government actions influenced prominent figures, particularly in the 20th century.
2. **Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement**: King drew inspiration from Thoreau's work, particularly the idea of nonviolent protest. In his "Letter from Birmingham Jail," King referenced Thoreau’s essay and reinforced the notion that individuals must act against unjust laws. This philosophy played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement, leading to significant events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington.
3. **Gandhi and the Struggle for Indian Independence**: Mahatma Gandhi also acknowledged the influence of Thoreau’s writings on his own principles of satyagraha (truth-force), which advocated for nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule in India. Gandhi's successful campaigns against British oppression were informed by Thoreau's ideas about individual conscience and moral action.
4. **Environmental and Social Justice Movements**: Thoreau's emphasis on individual responsibility and moral action resonates in contemporary social and environmental justice movements. His ideas have inspired activists fighting against issues such as climate change, corporate greed, and systemic oppression, often employing civil disobedience to challenge unjust policies.
5. **Legal and Ethical Frameworks**: Thoreau’s ideas have also entered legal discourse, influencing arguments related to individual rights and civil liberties. His moral rationale for disobeying unjust laws has been cited in various Supreme Court cases and legal discussions over civil rights.
6. **Cultural Impact and Educational Curricula**: "Civil Disobedience" has become an integral part of American literature and political thought, often studied in classrooms. This continued discussion of Thoreau's work in educational settings helps to instill the values of dissent and moral action in new generations.
In summary, Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" laid the groundwork for future social movements by promoting the principle that individuals must act according to their conscience in the face of injustice. His ideas have resonated across time, influencing leaders and movements dedicated to achieving justice and equality.
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