![]() ![]() Thoreau believes that man has the ability to create a wondrous civilization, but we all have to do it by our individual means. A man who indulges in the ideas of others and casts his own aside is a fool a man who understands the ideas of others and procures his own as a result is truly wise. This represents firmly Thoreau’s beliefs on conformity. Thoreau also writes, “He who gives himself entirely to his fellow-men appears to them useless and selfish but he who gives himself partially to them is pronounced a benefactor and philanthropist” (Thoreau 670). Sitting around and simply saying you are against something is nearly as bad as partaking in it. If we do not support the present war, put the flags away. If we are opposed to animal cruelty, stop eating fast food. Accordingly, we must take a stand in something in order to disagree with it. However, he states, “Even voting for the right is doing nothing for it” (Thoreau 673). Thoreau believes that each man should stand up for his beliefs in a passive way. Then again, perhaps this is an ideal hope. If your morals and beliefs are so strong, you should have no problem opposing a figure that requires you to go against them. ![]() That is, to what level is your personal integrity? Of course everyone opposes some of the things they are asked to do, but still end up doing them. This seems to be a question with another inquiry hidden within it. ![]()
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