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What does the quote 'That government is best which governs least' from Henry David Thoreau mean?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
The context is:
I HEARTILY ACCEPT the motto, - "That government is best which governs least"; and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe, - "That government is best which governs not at all"; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
Essentially Thoreau is saying that people are better off when they are left to themselves, without the government's meddling (which is most of what government does). But, he qualifies the statement, it takes a particular sort of person to be able to live in such a society (without it breaking up into hunter-gather bands).
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
This quote by Henry David Thoreau suggests that a government that interferes the least in the lives of its citizens is the most effective. Thoreau believed in individual autonomy and self-reliance, and felt that excessive government involvement could infringe on individual freedom. He advocated for a more minimalist approach to governance.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThe Government who lets the voices of the civilians be heard the most is best. A government that lets its citizens make their own decisions, and stays out of their affairs will be more prosperous than that which tries to govern in every dimension of their lives.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoA government is necessary to keep a country in an order. But it should interfere only as little as possible. If people can organize some areas of their lives by themselves, government should not mess with it.
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Who said - The government is best which governs least?
The quote "The government is best which governs least" is attributed to Henry David Thoreau, an American essayist and philosopher, known for his writings on civil disobedience and individualism. Thoreau believed in minimal interference from the government in the lives of the people.
How does Thoreau view government?
Thoreau believed that government should be limited and that individuals have a duty to resist unjust laws. He advocated for civil disobedience as a means to challenge government authority when it violates moral principles. Thoreau valued individual conscience and autonomy over submission to a government that goes against personal beliefs.
What is Henry david thoreau opinion government?
That a government is best when it does not interfere with the lives of individuals
Who wrote Civil Disobedience?
Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau
That Government is best which governs not at all?
this makes no sense. u crazy It comes from Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau I HEARTILY ACCEPT the motto, - "That government is best which governs least"; and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe, - "That government is best which governs not at all"; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
What idea was Henry david thoreau supporting?
ameriacan writer henry david thoreau, what was he supporting?
What is Henry David Thoreau's birthday?
Henry David Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817.
What is henry david Thoreau's birthday?
Henry David Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817.
When was Henry David Thoreau born?
Henry David Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817.
What does henry david Thoreau mean when he calls government an expedient in civil disobedience?
government is a nessesary evil
Where was david Henry thoreau when he became inspired to write resistance to civil government?
In Jail
Where was Henry David Thoreau when he became inspired. to write resistance to civil government?
In Jail
