In 1955, Rosa Parks committed the most recognized act of civil disobedience in American history. She directly went against the law to pave a path of justice for her people, by refusing to give up her seat on a bus, and dealt with the consequence of her actions. This idea of civil disobedience came directly from transcendentalism. Many times, transcendentalists looked to find a higher power than society and tradition, to seek a higher truth. Civil Disobedience did the same by transcending a law to seek the higher power of justice. Today, not many would argue that reasons for civil disobedience exist. Times have evolved and laws reformed and revoked. However, room for reform is still present, perhaps somewhere people would not expect; in the
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His book tells the story of Christopher McCandless who went on a voyage, similar to Thoreau’s quest, to escape the confines of society. Kraukauer explains McCandless’ thoughts after losing his car to a flash flood in the quote, “Instead of feeling distraught over this turn of events, moreover, McCandless was exhilarated: He saw the flash flood as an opportunity to shed unnecessary baggage.” (29). In the quote, Krakauer captures the transcendental idea of ridding oneself of his every trace of society to build a purposeful life. When McCandless got rid of his car, he rid himself of his last possession tying himself to the rest of society. The flash flood forced McCandless to commit to this act. Only then could he fully immerse himself in a life free of society’s confines, just as Thoreau …show more content…
Thoreau commanded that, “—if it is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law.” (Civil Disobedience). This transcendental idea, in line with other transcendental views, supported a higher law of morals and justice. Thoreau’s idea was that the sacrifice of a few would better all. He asserted that in order for the action to command respect and evoke change, those breaking the law must
Today, Thoreau’s civil disobedience exists in another form; in those who choose to break unjust laws of society, specifically, mothers who choose to breastfeed in public. The United States created a law of society, that women cannot breastfeed in public. Every time society frowns upon their choice, those women feel injustice. Society constantly telling mothers they are wrong to publicly breastfeed ensures mothers pay the consequence for their actions. Undoubtedly, mothers choosing to breastfeed in public are committing an act of civil
His book tells the story of Christopher McCandless who went on a voyage, similar to Thoreau’s quest, to escape the confines of society. Kraukauer explains McCandless’ thoughts after losing his car to a flash flood in the quote, “Instead of feeling distraught over this turn of events, moreover, McCandless was exhilarated: He saw the flash flood as an opportunity to shed unnecessary baggage.” (29). In the quote, Krakauer captures the transcendental idea of ridding oneself of his every trace of society to build a purposeful life. When McCandless got rid of his car, he rid himself of his last possession tying himself to the rest of society. The flash flood forced McCandless to commit to this act. Only then could he fully immerse himself in a life free of society’s confines, just as Thoreau …show more content…
Thoreau commanded that, “—if it is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law.” (Civil Disobedience). This transcendental idea, in line with other transcendental views, supported a higher law of morals and justice. Thoreau’s idea was that the sacrifice of a few would better all. He asserted that in order for the action to command respect and evoke change, those breaking the law must
Today, Thoreau’s civil disobedience exists in another form; in those who choose to break unjust laws of society, specifically, mothers who choose to breastfeed in public. The United States created a law of society, that women cannot breastfeed in public. Every time society frowns upon their choice, those women feel injustice. Society constantly telling mothers they are wrong to publicly breastfeed ensures mothers pay the consequence for their actions. Undoubtedly, mothers choosing to breastfeed in public are committing an act of civil