On the Duty of Civil Disobedience (Walden)
by Henry David Thoreau
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Read in April, 2008
My students and I were talking in class about how Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi were both influenced by Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" essay. The question arose in class as to whether there might be a person alive now that would have a dynamic personality and ability to speak out for racial discrimination beyond the black and white problem. 2 of my students are Hispanic and are constantly looked down upon as if they must be an illegal immigrant because of their accent and ...more
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in July, 2005
recommends it for:
everyone.
I actually read the e- book first, then have read the copy in my little portable Thoreau a few times since.
A remarkable essay that brings into focus the lack of balance there is between government and personal freedom. It's the foundation on Gandhi's non- violent movement, who thereby influenced MLK. The idea of simply 'withdrawing support' from a corrupt or illegitimate system has stuck with me, as has his blunt re- alignment of what seems to be an accepted social paradigm. I think this sho...more
A remarkable essay that brings into focus the lack of balance there is between government and personal freedom. It's the foundation on Gandhi's non- violent movement, who thereby influenced MLK. The idea of simply 'withdrawing support' from a corrupt or illegitimate system has stuck with me, as has his blunt re- alignment of what seems to be an accepted social paradigm. I think this sho...more
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Read in January, 1988
recommends it for:
the world
This is it. All tied up in this small package of words is a truth that citizens across the world struggle generation after generation to realize. For the underliners and note-takers out there...make sure you have a fresh pen, because there is not one wasted word in this essay. Every line - EVERY LINE - is a gem of truth and should be committed to memory and referenced often. Simply perfect.
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Those who, while they disapprove of the character and measures of a government, yield to it their allegiance and support are undoubtedly its most conscientious supporters, and so frequently the most serious obstacles to reform.
You must live within yourself, and depend upon yourself always tucked up and ready for a start, and not have many affairs.
You must live within yourself, and depend upon yourself always tucked up and ready for a start, and not have many affairs.
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Read in August, 2001
recommends it for:
the patriot
Warning: Reading this book will not only make you want to become more American, it will make you want actually excersize the rights we're supposed to have as Americans.
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book data (includes all editions)
avg rating (all editions): 4.05 (92 ratings) avg rating (this edition): 4.14 (78 ratings) number of reviews: 6popular shelves
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quote
"I was not designed to be forced. I will breathe after my own fashion. Let us see who is the strongest."
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