"I think that we should be men first, and subjects afterward." Thoreau has the opinion that our system of government is flawed. Majority rules, but what if the majority doesn't care about morals, values, and decency? We share a like mind on this subject, though I don't think you'll find me skimping on my taxes anytime soon.
Thoreau notes that the country was founded on rebellion. We are supposed to challenge the government if we find they are doing things wrong. It is our duty as citizens.
What is seen now as "patriotism" is the actual opposite. Patriotism would be to want your country to be as good as possible, rather than to blindly follow what others in positions of power tell you to do.
I find it odd how well this writing relates to today. He talks about armies: "The mass of men serve the state thus, not as men mainly, but as machines, with their bodies." He talks about the idea of patriotism and what it is to support and follow your country.
But, aside from how we can relate today, I would say his writing shows how others should have thought about slavery, and can show us how to avoid making the majority mistake in the future. We shouldn't decide what to do as a country based on profit and majority opinion of what is desirable, but rather conscience and the knowledge of right and wrong.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment