Civil Disobedience Henry David Thoreau American author and naturalist, Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord, Mass, in 1817. Thoreau, a graduate of Harvard in 1837, is considered one of the most influential figures in American thought and literature. Known for being an individualist, Thoreau fought against materialism and social conformity. This individualistic belief is reflected in his numerous writings. In one of Thoreau's most noted and influential works, the essay "Civil Disobedience," he begins an attack …showed first 75 words of 963 total…

…showed last 75 words of 963 total…state would prepare the way for an even more "perfect and glorious State." This contends that a person is ultimately responsible for himself as an independent pf society and government. Could such a person in society function with the rest of the people who follow some sort of central government that sets boundaries for the rest of them while these people do as they will? That is a question that not even Thoreau could answer.