wn views.Thoreau explains why slavery is a moral evil. Thoreau only disagreed withthe principle behind slavery, "he knew no Negroes, had never experienced theslightest social oppression, but was a radical individualist" (Smith, 62).Thoreau was a staunch supporter of John Brown, and went as far as to honorhis death at Harper's Ferry. Thoreau influenced many leaders of later CivilRights movements. "Thoreau's essay is a noble ringing reiteration of thehighest religious individualism as a self-evident social principle"(Emerson, 5)The essay also had a power with great minds who were looking to break freeof oppressive governments. It has been well documented that King and Gandhiwere both affected by the essay in threir quest for civil equality, "forGandhi, as a young leader of the oppressed Indians in South Africa, waslooking for a political strategy by which to resist a totally oppressivegovernment." (Hildebidle, 74) "Civil Disobedience" gives each reader amessage about speaking out about what you believe in. "For Thoreau, theproblem is simply of putting the highest possible value on the individualrather than on the state," (Salt, 174). Again, Thoreau light s the fire inthe reader, to think of what is good for himself or herself.John F. Kennedy said in his inauguration speech, "Ask not what you countrycan do for you, but what you can do for your country." This thoughtexpresses many values a person may have towards an action, taking place.Thoreau has this to say about the government, "It does not keep the countryfree. It does not settle the West. It does not educate." ...
