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Friday, 13 July 2012

Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau




“Ι hereby 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.”
“After all, the practical reason why, when the power is once in the nads of the people, a majority are permitted, and for a long period continue, to rule is not because they are most likely to be in the right, nor because this seems fairest to the minoroty, but because they are physically the strongest. But a government in which the majority rule in all cases can not be based on justice, even as far as men understand it.”

If the tax-gatherer, or any other public officer, asks me, as one has done, “But what shall I do?” my answer is, “If you really wish to do anything, resign your office.” When the subject has refused allegiance, and the officer has resigned from office, then the revolution is accomplished”. 

Henry David Thoreau (July 12, 1817 – May 6, 1862)

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