Undoubtedly one of the most famous essayists of all time, Henry David Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" seems as apropos today as it did when it was published in 1849.

In today's political climate, you often hear said Thoreau's opening motto - "That governments is best which governs least." Thoreau felt that government lends itself to
corruption by enabling a few men to impose their
will on the majority and to profit monetarily from
their power. He felt that instead of representing the people, government actually hinders the creative
enterprise of the very people it represents.

Thoreau espoused that a man has an obligation to act according to the dictates of his own conscience. Thoreau himself refused to pay taxes as a protest against slavery - fetching himself a night in jail. He asserted that one cannot see government for what it is while working within it.

Perhaps one of the most read of all essays in the world, "On The Duty of Civil Disobedience" is required reading for many courses. Above that, it is a classic that should be enjoyed by all. We at Timeless Classic Books hope you enjoy this thought provoking work.