Henry David Thoreau
Must the citizen ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his or her conscience to the legislator? Why has every man a conscience, then? I think that we should be men first, and subjects afterward. It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right. The only obligation which I have a right to assume, is to do at any time what I think right.
Henry David Thoreau
Unlike those who call themselves no-government men, I ask for, not at once no government, but at once a better government.
Henry David Thoreau
The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
Henry David Thoreau
There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.