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Why does Thoreau say people are afraid to disobey laws they disagree with?
Thoreau says that even the "freest" of his neighbors--the most liberal ones, who understand the magnitude of civil disobedience--are afraid to disobey laws because they rely on the protection of the State and its assurance of "public tranquility." The consequences the government threatens to people's properties and families for disobeying laws works, scaring citizens into submission. This is an example of the government using its superior strength to control people who know that its morality is questionable.
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What do you think of Thoreau’s attitude towards his imprisonment?
This question...
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