Thoreau's "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience"

Henry David Thoreau's "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience" argues that individuals have a moral responsibility to oppose unjust laws and government actions. Thoreau emphasizes that allegiance to the state should not come at the expense of one's conscience. He famously advocates for nonviolent resistance, suggesting that individuals should not support a government that engages in immoral acts, like slavery or war. Thoreau's work encourages people to act according to their principles and highlights the importance of personal integrity in the face of societal pressures, advocating for change through peaceful protest rather than compliance.