How does it become a man to behave toward this American government today? I answered that he cannot without disgrace be associated with it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Thoreau asserts that a person cannot honorably associate with the American government as it stands.
- In plain terms
- He says you cannot be respectable while supporting the current government.
- What can you take from it?
- Question the legitimacy of the government you serve.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is it morally permissible to support a flawed government?
- What alternatives exist for ethical participation?
Another view
The statement may ignore those who work within the system for reform.
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