ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -If a thousand men were not to pay their tax bills this year, that would not be a violent and bloody measure, as it would be to pay them, and enable the State to commit violence and shed innocent blood.

Detailed explanation-2: -Thoreau argued that the government must end its unjust actions to earn the right to collect taxes from its citizens. As long as the government commits unjust actions, he continued, conscientious individuals must choose whether to pay their taxes or to refuse to pay them and defy the government.

Detailed explanation-3: -How does Thoreau define the best possible kind of government? Thoreau envisions the best kind of government as on that does not govern. He supports laissez-faire (free enterprise, free trade, noninterfering).

Detailed explanation-4: -“The only obligation which I have a right to assume, ” he says, “is to do at any time what I think right.” Second, he contends that it is not enough simply to perceive the right.

Detailed explanation-5: -In Civil Disobedience, Thoreau’s basic premise is that a higher law than civil law demands the obedience of the individual. Human law and government are subordinate. In cases where the two are at odds with one another, the individual must follow his conscience and, if necessary, disregard human law.