What kind of government does Thoreau feel would be the most just?
In the reading Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau, he talks about what kind of government he feels would be the most just. The quote that caught me right away was when he said “I heartily accept the motto-“that government is best which governs least,” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically” (Thoreau 137). He shows he accepts that a just government governs least. From this quote he continues saying “…I believe-“that government is best which governs not at all”…” (Thoreau 137). This quote shows exactly what that the kind of government Thoreau thinks is just is a non-governed government. I also agree with Thoreau thoughts and beliefs on a just government.
The quote “Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient” (Thoreau 137). At first I was confused by this but then after looking up the definition of expedient which by definition means something done or a method used to achieve an objective quickly, regardless of whether it is fair, right, or wise in long term. Putting this definition with the quote it made more since. To me it was kind of saying that the government is good but it choose things quickly no matter how it effects others. This goes back to what kind of government Thoreau thinks is just. To me it seems that he thinks that if a government did not govern in the since of achieving things quickly, that government would be the best.
Works Cited
Thoreau, David Henry. “Civil Disobedience.” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp137-138
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4 comments:
I thought you did a wonderful job on this blog. It seem you really understood the readings and express what you got from it. Good Job
I agree with you when you said, "that the government is good but it choose things quickly no matter how it affects others.” All governments try to be expedient because they have to be. This is true because citizens under the government always want answers fast. Like Thoreau stated, “Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient” (Thoreau 137).
Great job. You are right, the government doesn't always seem to put the people first before making decisions. The government needs to learn to work better with their people before they shut them all out.
The quote on page 137 was kind of confusing to. I agree with your statement about the quote but I also think it may mean that government is going to be the government it may change or it may not change reagrding individuals rights whether its fait or unfair.
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