Oct 03 2008
To Thine Own Self Be True (Period 10)
Describe in a few sentences Thoreau’s position on individual accountability as presented in his famous essay, “Civil Disobedience.”
21 responses so far
Create a free edublog to get your own comment avatar (and more!)
The essay “Civil Disobedience” by Thoreau talks about following a person’s own rules. Restrictions and guidlines by others mean nothing to a person if they abide by their own rules. These people who act this way usually execute actions that are out of line by means of civilization. He explains how people are responsible for their own actions and their own actions only. Excuses by “society” ways are not acceptable and every person in the world is capable of controlling how they act with others, and themselves. People do what they have to to survive in the world.
[Reply]
Thoreau made a clear point that how you act is always up to you. However, he also provides an example of how acting in a manner you yourself deem best may not end up so well (he ends up in jail for refusing to pay a tax). People may not act earnestly and respectfully if it means going against the wishes of society because there’s a chance bad things could happen to them. Above all, you alone are responsible for your own actions.
[Reply]
Government is referred to as expedient a countless number of times throughout Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience,” which makes it clear that Thoreau believes government works for self-interests rather than principles. On the very first full page of Thoreau’s essay he says, “But a government in which majority rule in all cases cannot be based on justice,” and clearly expresses that he believes each person is accountable and should be able to rule themselves rather then following rules set for the majority. Further along in “Civil Disobedience,” Thoreau shows that he does not feel this way solely bases on himself, he agrees and likes the constitution, laws, and courts, but does not believe people should have to live under them.
[Reply]
Thoreau’s position on individual accountability was very clear. He believed that how a person acted was completely up to them. However, he also pointed out that many people believe and say one thing, yet do nothing to uphold their beliefs and morals. His example was of slavery and the war with Mexico. Many, he believed, did not support either, yet they did nothing that would resolve either of the two, claiming that they didn’t know what could be done. They do so, he claims, because they are not prepared to act whatever the cost may be. He believed that people should uphold their morals, and not wait to rid themselves of slavery once slavery is almost gone.
[Reply]
Thoreau’s philosophy is based upon the ideal of individual accountability. Thoreau feels that people are accountable to themselves only; they are not even accountable to the state. Thoreau feels that a person should always be true to his or her own system of moral values, even if it is at odds with what the state demands. Thoreau recognizes that the state has authority to dictate morality, but if one’s individual conscience is opposed to it, Thoreau feels that it is one’s duty to civilly disobey. For example, Thoreau refused to pay taxes and support the government because he did not agree with the government’s support of slavery.
[Reply]
Throughout Thoreau’s essay, “Civil Disobedience”, he clearly explains his views on individual accountability. He believes that one is fully responsible of controlling one’s own actions. People are accountable for themselves, no matter what society thinks is acceptable or unacceptable. Thoreau thinks that a person should stand up for what they believe in, even if they know they may get in trouble, such as when he himself refused to pay a tax and ended up going to jail. The people have a right to civilly disobey their government if they strongly oppose it. Thoreau considers a person to be liable of his/her own actions, thoughts, and beliefs.
[Reply]
Thoreau believes that there is good in man, and there is no need for a government. The educated man and the ignorant man are responsible enough to live by their own morals and principles. A man’s personal beliefs are much more important than authority by the government. Thoreau disagreed with paying taxes or supporting the government because he opposed the government’s support of slavery. Of course he was thrown in jail for his behavior, but he was true to his words and followed through with his own doctrine.
[Reply]
Thoreau thought that everyone should act for what they believe. Even if no one agrees, an individual should stand up for their ideals. Individual people have done all that has been accomplished in this country, not the government. If someone does not agree with the government policies, they should start a revolution. They shouldn’t wait for someone else to speak out instead, but should express and be responsible of their own ideas.
[Reply]
Individual accountability serves as Thoreau’s basis of philosophy. Thoreau believes that the individual is responsible for the actions committed, or not committed. He also believes that consensus thought means nothing; that people should not vote just because of popular thought, but because they feel that it is the right thing to do. Thoreau opens with a statement asking for a better government and implying that people should also not submit to the demands of the government, if the individual finds the government at fault. If so, Thoreau believes that it is the individual’s role to civilly disobey.
[Reply]
Thoreau presents a unique perspective on individual accountablilty. In his cosmic view of the world, individual actions are the truest source of power; he mentions the uselessness of rhetoric and eloquence in governing assemblies. Therefore, in his view, every person is accountable to himself to act out his own opinion and priorities. Obviously, Thoreau believes that if all people did so that society would be better off; therefore it can be said that he would classify individuals as accountable to society as well.
[Reply]
Thoreau believes that one is accountable to be true to oneself in order to benefit society as a whole. If everyone were to listen and follow aimlessly without regard for morals and ethics, then everyone will be lead to tyranny and doom. It is the responsibility of every individual to follow their own beliefs and morals despite what the governing commands so that everyone might enjoy justice.
[Reply]
Both Edwards’ and Thoreau’s views on personal accountability differ greatly. While Edwards preaches that individuals cannot chose their own path but should instead follow the path of God he says that all others are doomed for hell. In contrast, Thoreau believes that individuals should have the right to act according to their individual morals and beliefs even if they do not match those of the law. Further, he believes that all individuals are accountable for themselves. This shows much more lenience than Edwards. While Edwards believes that individuals need to live a certain way, Thoreau believes that one should not have to follow the morals of another.
[Reply]
In Thoreau’s, Civil Disobedience, he presents individual accountability as a very important aspect of society. He says that ultimately the individual must make decisions for themselves despite what the government says what to do. The name, “Civil Disobedience,” comes from when in his essay he says if you disagree with what the government is doing then you should go against it and be disobedient. He also believed everyone should be able to express their own views and ideas without the influence of another.
[Reply]
Thoreau believed that a man was responsible for deciding whether or not something was moral. He himself had refused to pay a tax he deemed immoral, even when facing jail. It seems like his view is more of “can you live with yourself?” and less “you’re going to hell”. He believed the government was there to be used only when needed, not to interfere with a man’s day to day life or with moral choices he makes along the way.
[Reply]
Individual accountability, the measurement of weather or not each group member has achieved the groups goal. In Therou’s “civil disobedience” he thought that if a government needed to be fixed, each individual needed to speak out , and as a group they could fix the government. He also believed that if everyone was was responsible for themselves, they didnt need a government.
[Reply]
Thoreau believes strongly in the freedom of will. He feels as though people are accountable for their actions and that people should act on their will and what they believe is just and right. Living by his beliefs, Thoreau spent time in jail due to his refusal to pay taxes that he felt were unjust. He would rather spend time in jail than pay taxes to a government who does not represent his voice. Thoreau feels that an individuals actions are very important and that, as long as they live according to what they believe in, that person will have a full life.
[Reply]
Thoreau presents his ideas on individual accountability throughout his “Civil Disobedience.” While expressing his discontent with America’s involvement in the Mexican War, he speaks his Transcendentalist philosophy: to only listen to the INDIVIDUAL’s inner-most will. The individual is the only one accountable for his/her happiness, fullfillment, and true life. If he/she does not embrace his/her desires and act accordingly, he/she will suffer. Additionally, Thoreau explained that it was not enough to merely SAY when something is wrong with something else. For example, he said if one disagreed with the government, one must act against the government, not just SAY the government is doing a bad job and still pay taxes to said government. Thoreau is all about individual accountability because it is the key to the fundamental of Transcendentalism: give into your will.
[Reply]
Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” discusses the aspects of a government and how it is influenced. It is simply seen in his work that he feels as though individual accountability is important. He feels that the people should be responsible for making sure that the government is just and fair and to keep the government in line. He believes that the people of the world have the duty to remove themselves from evil and to show their separation from such evil (many times the government). Following one’s conscience and doing what is right, even if it means being ostracized is also a part of individual accountability, as described by Thoreau.
[Reply]
In Thoreau’s essay, “Civil Disobedience,” he emphasizes the importance of man’s endless capabilities, and his responsibilities regarding the actions he commits. The power man holds is impressive, for he has the ability to speak his mind, stand up for his beliefs, and ultimately make a difference. Thoreau discusses the importance of fighting corruption, especially that of which is found within government. Thoreau’s take regarding individual accountability is that man should be willing to express his morals, and except the consequences that might be brought. In the long run, this will not only help one person prosper, but also benefit society as a whole.
[Reply]
Thoreau’s theory of individual accountability states that people have an obligation to uphold their conscience over the laws of the government. When unjust laws are enforced or immoral actions are committed (Thoreau gives slavery and the Mexican-American War as examples of such laws and actions), individuals should no longer participate in such an institution that advocates them. Instead of working within the system for reform, people should separate themselves entirely from such a government.
[Reply]
Thoreau’s view of individual accountability that although some actions may not be the “best” decision, one has every right to do what pleases them. However, taking into consderation that some decisions aren’t the greatest, a person is responsible for their own actions and only their own. Certain things that are right for one are not necessarily right for all. Different people have different views on what is right and what is wrong. As long as you are true to yourself, really nothing else matters.
[Reply]