Thoreau begins his essay with the motto "That government is best which governs least." He expresses his distrust of government by explaining that he believes it to be "perverted and abused" before people can decide upon issues with it. He makes his point by referencing the Mexican war which was lead by a collection of wealthy individuals who manipulated the government's act of conduct to their liking. Thoreau claims that government is itself, a oppressive and corrupt tool that allows few men to will on the majority to become economically successful. Thoreau views government as an obstacle in the way of the people it's created to represent. Thoreau then goes on to establish the fact that man is to act on his conscience, even if it goes against …show more content…
Thoreau does not believe in anarchy but the bettering of present establishments. Thoreau establishes the fact that “men serve the state thus, not as men mainly, but as machines,” and that most men do not act with conscience and they are therefore celebrated as good citizens even though they are “as horses and dogs.” But men who act on the thought of true justice are made out to be enemies of the state, and are treated as such. Thoreau identifies that in American culture most men act as lost souls following his government even if its wrongful to others in society. He believes that man disgraces himself by following a government that treats even some of its citizens unjustly, even when that man one who was wronged. Thoreau argues that if government is oppressing the peoples right to change the government, that they should stop paying the taxes because they are paying the government to continue to oppress them. He continues, saying if they are attacked they can only be attacked physically, and that their freedom is always with them. In prison they still won't pay taxes, and are left to their “freedom.” The majority of Thoreau’s criticism is thrown at