Civil Disobedience Review

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What is civil disobedience?

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Civil disobedience is the active, professed refusal to obey certain laws, demands, and commands of a government or occupying power, based on moral or ethical principles.

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Who is Henry David Thoreau?

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Henry David Thoreau was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher known for his writings on civil disobedience and his opposition to slavery and the Mexican-American War.

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What was Thoreau's stance on the Mexican-American War?

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Thoreau was against the Mexican-American War, viewing it as unjust and a violation of moral principles.

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What act of civil disobedience did Thoreau famously commit?

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Thoreau famously refused to pay taxes as a protest against slavery and the Mexican-American War.

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How did Thoreau feel about his imprisonment?

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Thoreau felt proud of his imprisonment, believing it was a testament to his commitment to his conscience.

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What is the central idea of Thoreau's essay 'Civil Disobedience'?

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The central idea is that individuals should act according to their own sense of right and wrong, even if it means breaking the law.

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Why did Thoreau believe it was important to resist unjust laws?

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Thoreau believed that resisting unjust laws was a moral duty and essential for personal integrity and social justice.

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What does Thoreau mean by 'It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law'?

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Thoreau suggests that blind respect for the law can lead to complicity in injustice; individuals should prioritize moral judgment over legal compliance.

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What role does individual conscience play in civil disobedience according to Thoreau?

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Individual conscience is paramount; it guides actions and decisions, especially when laws conflict with personal ethics.

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What is the significance of Thoreau's refusal to pay taxes?

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His refusal symbolizes a protest against government actions that he deemed immoral, particularly regarding slavery and war.