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About this quote

What does it mean?
Thoreau advocates for minimal government, eventually none, and urges rapid implementation of that principle.
In plain terms
He wants government to shrink until it disappears.
What can you take from it?
Work toward reducing government authority.

Where it applies

  • legislative reform
  • civic education
  • activist meetings

Putting it to work

  • draft decentralization proposals
  • promote local self‑governance

Questions to consider

  • How can society function without a central authority?
  • What risks arise from too little government?

Another view

A completely stateless society may lack mechanisms for collective action.

More from Henry David Thoreau

  1. 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…

    Permalink to quote #50
  2. To speak practically and as a citizen, unlike those who call themselves no-government men, I ask for, not at once no government, but at once a better governmen…

    Permalink to quote #52
  3. Any fool can make a rule And any fool will mind it.

    Permalink to quote #49

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