Similarities Between Thoreau And Martin Luther King Jr

Are you inspired by Martin Luther King and his impact on the Civil Rights Movement? Martin Luther King, Jr. and Henry David Thoreau were both influential figures of their time who urged their supporters to take action without violence, and commit acts of civil disobedience. Civil disobedience is the refusal to comply with certain laws or to pay taxes and fines, as a peaceful form of protest. Civil Disobedience, a book written by Thoreau, influenced civil rights leaders like Martin Luther, Jr., and their ideas about nonviolence. Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King, Jr. have many similarities and differences. Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King, Jr. have many similarities. In Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience, Thoreau believes that if you disagree with the government, you should withdraw your support from them (Exhibit D). In King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, King states, “Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force” (Exhibit A). None of both King’s and Thoreau’s protesting suggestions include using violence, which shows that neither believe in violent protesting. Henry David Thoreau’s and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s belief in nonviolence is one of the

have many differences. According to Exhibit F, Thoreau says that many of the so-called comforts of life, such as extra food and clothes, are positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind. Martin Luther King, Jr. participated in the March on Washington, gave his “I Have a Dream” speech, and, President Kennedy announced that he would submit a civil rights bill to Congress (Exhibit E). Thoreau suggested that giving up necessities will prove to be beneficial, however, King suggests, by marching and giving speeches, that gaining necessities and giving everyone equal rights will improve the nation. Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s many differences include their views on how to improve the