The soldier is applauded who refuses to serve in an unjust war by those who do not refuse to sustain the unjust government which makes the war; is applauded by those whose own act and authority he disregards and sets at naught; as if the state were penitent to that degree that it hired one to scourge it while it sinned, but not to that degree that it left off sinning for a moment.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Thoreau condemns the praise given to those who avoid fighting an unjust war while the state continues its wrongdoing.
- In plain terms
- He says we applaud people who refuse to fight unjust wars, yet ignore the government that caused them.
- What can you take from it?
- Don't celebrate avoidance without challenging the unjust system.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does it mean to truly oppose injustice?
- When is praise for non‑participation insufficient?
Another view
The quote may overlook the complexities of individuals who cannot easily refuse service.
More from Henry David Thoreau
Any fool can make a rule And any fool will mind it.
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Permalink to quote #51 The savage in man is never quite eradicated.
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