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Thoreau's Answer to Socrates

            Thoreau would be very much inclined to disagree with the main point of Socrates" argument dealing with the law of Athens in "Crito." However at the same time, various points in Thoreau's argument do in fact coincide with Socrates" argument for obedience. Throughout "Apology," Socrates continued to bring up the issue of majority rule and the problems associated with the idea of an ideal democracy. In his opinion, just because there was a majority consensus on certain issues didn't mean that this majority consensus was always correct. This idea directly parallels to Thoreau's suggestion that "there is but little virtue in the action of masses of men" (Thoreau 5). Evidence of this argument is further carried over to "Crito" as well. At this point Thoreau would be in direct accordance with Socrates and would probably find his argument to be a somewhat accurate account of a problem that many societies face.
             However and important distinction lies in the two arguments as the issues relate directly to the overall notion of a system of government and existence of a traditional mindset of society. Socrates expresses a sense of duty to society and government even if these institutions are representing its citizens immorally. Thoreau on the other hand feels that "it is not a man's duty, as a matter of course, to devote himself to the eradication of any wrong, but it is his duty, at least, to wash his hands of it" (Thoreau 6). Thoreau's whole attitude toward government to begin with is somewhat cynical as his entire argument basically revolves around the idea that a "government is best which governs not at all" (Thoreau 1). Perhaps because of his many objections to various governmental policies including slavery, Thoreau contends that the major emphasis should be taken off individual duty to society and government especially relating to issues that are in opposition with the individual's moral beliefs.


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