Write about one idea that someone brought up that stuck with you. Did someone change your thinking? Did someone bring up an idea that never occured to you?
Feel free to comment on the ideas other students mention as well.
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I thought Mackenzie made a good point when she defended Thoreau by explaining that his essay on civil disobedience did make a big difference in society. Others stated that he did not act on his own principals thus not really making a difference. However, as a single person, his influence was profound on society. We still read his essay today.
ReplyDeleteAt one point, the conversation focused on Thoreau's statement that it only takes one man to start a change and "it matters not how small the beginning may seem to be: what is once well done is done forever." I thought this related back to Mackenzie's point that Thoreau did make a change. By refusing to pay his taxes, as insignificant as it might seem, he contributed to the abolition of slavery in our country. I know that Thoreau alone did not cause that change, but people like Thoreau all over the country, who were not afraid to take action in small ways did. All the little things build up, and I think that is what Thoreau is saying in the quote.
ReplyDeleteI thought the point Ethan made about the essay not only being about government, but more importantly human nature, slightly changed my thinking. Yes, Civil Disobedience is about government, but Thoreau is trying to say much more than that, he is trying to convey to the reader that we should not conform and go along with everything the government says if we do not believe it. We need to stay strong and stand up for our beliefs.
ReplyDeleteThe most interesting point that was brought to my attention was the discussion about change. There was a controversy about if things actually could or could not be changed by one person. I think this is an important matter because it takes one person to start a trend but many people to actually make a difference. For example; Martin Luther King Jr. was one person who influenced change, but it was the rest of society that helped carry out his wishes.
ReplyDeleteI thought one point made by RJ was interesting. He talked about Thoreau wanting to change the government by removing himself completely from it and the state. As it turned out, President Linclon started the change to end slavery, but he was IN the government. Change was more likely to happen and be effective by a respected leader that had made it throug the ranks of government.
ReplyDeleteI thought that the topic about Thoreau's faith in human nature was interesting. He seemed to not take into account that not all people would behave like himself. It would havae been interesting to see how he would have handled society once everything went chaotic. Although the government can be extremely controlling, life without it would be much more difficult in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alison- while reading Civil Disobedience, I originally thought that Thoreau was criticizing solely the government, but after listening to the socratic seminar I realized that he also pointed out how the people never take any initiative to change the ways of the government. This changed my thinking a little bit.
ReplyDeleteOne interesting point that was made was that Thoreau's true government was his conscience. I hadn't thought of it this literally before and I think that this statement is very true. Thoreau did what he believed to be right no matter what the circumstance and believed that others should do the same. He did not follow the law if it went against his morals. This seemed to be the reoccurring theme throughout Civil Disobedience.
ReplyDeleteI think Connor's point is interesting. He stated that Martin Luther King Jr. was one person who caused a change. I agree with that, but I don't think Thoreau caused a change in society. We still read his essay today, but if it doesn't inspire us to live like that than did it really do any good at all? Martin Luther King Jr. stood up for what he believed in and he made it happen. Thoreau retreated into the woods and refused to pay his taxes. That's hardly on the same scale.
ReplyDeletePersonally i believe many of my own comments were not appreciated as much as they should have been. Especially my direct quote from Jurassic Park. I also believe that the point of Thoreau's essay was not totally a call to action, but a call to understanding, and what Thoreau really wanted people to do is understand. Which is why I believe a grade on a socratic seminar is meaningless unless the text was fully understood. P.S i agree with alison. P.S.S whats your husbands gamertag?
ReplyDeleteI liked Ethan's point about "astronauts and astronomers". It came out of nowhere, yet somehow managed to fit perfectly into the conversation. It was a very interesting point, and it made me think. I also like how whoever it was brought up how Thoureau was criticizing the common man for not doing his part in addition to the government. It too was an interesting and introspective statement.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Nicole's comment:
ReplyDeleteHenry Thoureau inspired Martin Luther King, so I think he did influence people to see his way. His way of thinking indirectly lead to King's protesting and influence in the Civil Rights Movement.
I thought the idea brought up by Ethan Kulman was a very astute and high level observation. What he said regarding Civil Disobedience being more about human nature rather than just limited to government made me view the essay from a more broad point of view.
ReplyDeleteAt one pt in the discussion, we tried to divide society into two or three goups of people based on their type and amount of action. "Astronomers and Astronauts" (Ethan) and the third group, careless or ignorant citizens, (Kathleen) were all valid contributions. Also Thoreau's conparison to Martin Luther KingJR is a new and original idea.
ReplyDeleteI agreed with RJ's point of Lincoln making the change and being a part of the government. Althoguh Thoreau desn't think the government should be the sole influence on how were "governed", what else would we do? He wants people to speak for themselves, but that would only result in hard-headed violence. People are appointed in offical positions because they're the most qualifyed. Sorry Thoreau, but maybe he's not as right as he feels he is. Things don't always workout how we think they will. It's much easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteI might be speaking redundantly but a main point that stayed with me was that this really long essay might not be just some blubbering pointless words. Many people brought up the point that even though Thoreau was really getting up and "doing" anything, writing the essay might have had a greater impact that just getting into the governments face. It seems like he has a lot of knowledge of his side of things, but doesn't seem like he really studdied up on the other side.
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