Civil Disobedience

The essay is divided into two parts. In the first part Thoreau argues that governments are often unjust and that individuals have a moral obligation to disobey unjust laws. He cites the example of slavery as an unjust law that he could not in good conscience obey. He also argues that governments are often corrupt and that they use their power to benefit the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the poor and marginalized. In the second part of the essay Thoreau discusses the nature of civil disobedience. He argues that civil disobedience is a legitimate form of protest that can be used to challenge unjust laws and governments. He also argues that civil disobedience is not violence and that it should not be met with violence. Instead he argues that civil disobedience should be met with understanding and compassion. Civil Disobedience has been an influential essay in the history of political philosophy. It has been cited by many activists and political leaders including Mahatma Gandhi Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. The essay has also been criticized by some for its potential to lead to anarchy and chaos.