Henry David Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience is the granddaddy of all protest essays. You’ve probably heard of it, even if you haven’t read it since high school, but let’s refresh your memory. Thoreau wrote this in 1849 after a short stint in jail (legend has it he was locked up for refusing to pay a poll tax that funded the Mexican-American War and slavery). He was calling for people to follow their conscience, stand up against injustice, and—if necessary—break the law to do what’s right. Bold stuff for the mid-19th century. Now imagine what he’d think of the hot mess that is today’s political landscape.
Because honestly? Thoreau would probably be pacing around his cabin in the woods, shaking his head at just how much worse things have gotten since he penned his famous essay. If you could resurrect him for a day and sit him in front of the news, I’m sure he’d want to grab his quill and write Civil Disobedience 2: Electric Boogaloo. And let’s just say that it would have a few more exclamation points than his original.
Thoreau and Today’s Woke Politics: Not Quite the Same Flavor of Resistance
In 1849, Thoreau was all about resisting the government’s participation in war and slavery. He was rebelling against clear-cut injustices and believed it was our moral obligation to do so. But today, the landscape is murkier. The loudest voices seem to be fighting for causes that, quite frankly, Thoreau might’ve found a little perplexing. Performative “wokeness” and virtue signaling are more about maintaining the appearance of caring rather than actually doing something about the root of injustice. (Did you read that post on Self-Reliance? Because Emerson would have had a lot to say about this, too!)
Now, don’t get me wrong. There are still plenty of injustices to resist—mass incarceration, racial injustice, and economic inequality, to name a few. These are issues Thoreau would have undoubtedly raged against. But modern-day politics often feels like a lot of noise without much substance. Thoreau was a man of action, even if his action involved quietly sitting in a jail cell, refusing to fund a corrupt system. Today’s version of “action” sometimes feels more like signing an online petition, reposting an Instagram story, and calling it a day.
Imagine Thoreau watching a group of people gather for a protest only to see half of them taking selfies for social media while holding a sign they barely understand. I can almost hear him: “Is this what I went to jail for? I’ve seen toddlers with more conviction during nap-time protests!”
Government: Still Not to Be Trusted
One thing that wouldn’t surprise Thoreau? That the government remains as frustratingly corrupt, inefficient, and maddening as ever. His famous line from Civil Disobedience, “That government is best which governs least,” could easily be repurposed today. Maybe now we’d add a little footnote: “That government is best which governs least… and doesn’t tweet at 2 a.m.”
Thoreau distrusted big government, seeing it as a machine that often did more harm than good. He was particularly wary of how governments get bloated and detached from the people they’re supposed to serve. Does that sound familiar? It should. Thoreau would be horrified to see that not only have we not scaled back government power, but in some ways, it’s gotten even more bloated. Not to mention how some people seem to worship the government as the answer to all problems when Thoreau would argue it’s usually part of the problem.
And that’s not even getting into the weird way people on both sides of the aisle either venerate or villainize politicians as if they’re saints or supervillains instead of—let’s be real—just humans with questionable morals and a thirst for power.
Modern Civil Disobedience: Where’s the Substance?
Today’s civil disobedience often looks a little different. Sure, we’ve got our protests and marches, but the substance behind them can sometimes get lost in the noise. Instead of the quiet, steely resolve of Thoreau’s time, we’ve got hashtags, viral videos, and political hot takes that fizzle out faster than a soggy firecracker. Not to say that modern protestors don’t have their hearts in the right place—many do—but Thoreau would probably raise an eyebrow at how easily movements come and go without making much of a dent in the system they claim to fight.
Take social media activism, for example. Is it civil disobedience if it doesn’t require any real sacrifice? Posting a black square or a trending hashtag might show support, but Thoreau would argue that real change comes from uncomfortable, messy, and often unpopular actions—like going to jail for your beliefs or refusing to participate in a corrupt system even when it’s easier to stay silent.
I mean, could you imagine Thoreau scrolling through Instagram? He’d be clutching his quill pen like it was the last vestige of humanity in a sea of snark and outrage. “Where’s the resolve?” he’d ask. “Where’s the real resistance?” Probably not in the comment section, my guy.
What Would Thoreau Do Today?
If Thoreau were alive today, I like to think he’d still be advocating for that same brand of quiet, fierce resistance. He’d be the guy who refuses to pay his taxes because the government’s still funding unjust wars and bailing out billionaires. He wouldn’t care about virtue signaling or jumping on the latest trending cause—he’d be too busy living his truth, even if it meant spending a few more nights in jail. And honestly? We could all use a little more of that in our lives.
Instead of getting caught up in the whirlwind of performative activism, maybe it’s time to focus on meaningful action. Thoreau didn’t just talk about change—he lived it, even when it wasn’t convenient or popular. That kind of civil disobedience doesn’t need a hashtag or a viral tweet. It just needs courage and conviction.
So maybe the next time we’re faced with injustice, we can ask ourselves: What would Thoreau do? (Hint: He wouldn’t be taking selfies at the protest.)
Action Steps:
- Practice Real Resistance: Identify one issue that genuinely matters to you and take a tangible action, whether boycotting a product, donating time to a cause, or getting involved in local politics. Make it count—don’t just post about it.
- Question Government Power: Take a moment to reflect on how government decisions impact your life and the lives of others. Be more mindful about where your taxes and votes are going—Thoreau would approve.
- Focus on Substance Over Performance: Instead of getting caught up in social media activism, choose one cause to support with actual actions. Whether volunteering, organizing, or writing to your representatives, follow through in a way that doesn’t need public applause.