Civil Disobedience

The essay explores the moral imperative of resisting unjust government actions, arguing that individuals should not allow their consciences to be compromised by authority. Thoreau's opposition to slavery and the Mexican-American War serves as a backdrop for his call to civil disobedience, emphasizing the responsibility of citizens to act against injustice rather than passively comply with oppressive laws. His work encourages readers to prioritize their ethical beliefs over governmental mandates.