Socrates and Thoreau both discussed various concepts of obeying/disobeying the law, the concept of laws and following them, and other paradigms of civil disobedience.
In The Crito, Socrates defends his decision to accept the punishment of the Athenian government as he is questioned by his longtime friend, Crito. Socrates even goes as far as to say that he likes Athens enough that he has never considered moving to neighboring city-states with governments he prefers.
Thoreau never mentions the possibility of leaving the States for a territory with a better governing. With that being said, Thoreau was not really in the same position as Socrates, but I think it's worth considering the possibility that he may have left for a government that was more ideal. While Thoreau seemed to be intent on clarifying the fact that he was strictly a reformer of the law (and not an anarchist, just as Socrates) I don't think he exemplifies the same love for his county (or city) as Socrates does. Would he have left the States if there had been a nearby government with a structure he preferred? I think it's worth considering.
Interesting contemplation! I don't know that Thoreau would have left. I would have to know more about Thoreau's personal life, but I recall from a discussion in class, that while living on Walden Pond, Thoreau frequently visited his mothers house to have his clothes starched. Though it's a seemingly irrelevant fact, I think that family ties to home would be influential in any person of high conscientious values. Thoreau is tremendously concerned with conscience, so I imagine he would not have left, but instead he would strive to improve his home, and the home of his family. But, without a familial connection, I imagine it wouldn't matter quite as much, as leaving the country may not weigh on the conscience as much, as it would only be a selfish act if you were leaving loved ones behind.
ReplyDeleteI am only speculating about Thoreau's personal life, but on many occasions he makes it clear that he values the lives of those around him in this way.