Iconoclastic Individualism - Henry David Thoreau (part 3)

[MuskPumpkin]

@RussellBertrand: exactly what I was about to comment. (I can't apparently "Like" ur comment via the iPhone).

[sparcenigma07]

Democracy is dangerous--being the majority rules.This country was supposedly formed 2 B a Constitutional Republic. It was intended 2 support individual liberties, the rights of personal freedoms & the pursuit of happiness. There is a huge difference between the 2. Today we hear 2 many people use the word democracy without even understanding what it means---it is equal 2 a lynch mob mentality.

Peace & thanks 4 posting this great info. from a truly inspirational individual : )

Michelle LittleOwl

[ZorkFrobozz]

@sparcenigma07 At this point, it'd be nice to have either.  We have fascism and a public that is placated by a superficial display of democracy, propagated by the media and reinforced by the act of casting your ballot into the void once in a while. Until recently, the dumbed-down public was too easily distracted by shiny objects, sitcoms, and fear, to notice.

Thank goodness that greed has finally become king. Now that the peasants are having trouble putting food on the table they'll wake up.

[mepaleoindian]

"Freedom seeks no division but it's own" - indigenousman

[EternalGreen2012]

social individualism, would be able to control law as well as politics! this conception would protect the rights of individuals!

[HillClimbersForum]

I'd bet if Thoreau were alive today he'd have alot of facebook fans.

[Harris91]

Who is the man speaking? Doesn't he deserve some kind of credit?

[myke7777]

Doesn't this sound like Bill Mahr? Thoreau has changed my life.

[jordancroy]

@myke7777 haha amen

[Tioskis]

The machine could be repaired when it collapse, bet it would be miracle if this machine will not become more mechanised.

[jurrienrietveld]

I've discovered Thoreau through the movie 'Into the wild' powerful stuff and really thought provoking!!

[dinkolino2]

u dont get it meme

[RusselBertrand]

He writes the essay becuase it pleases him....true writers write for themselves

[BernardCh1]

Enlightening talk, thanks for that.

[theoriginalanomaly]

He was an old school liberal... before it became its opposite. Now we would call him a libertarian, which is also the opposite of what it used to mean. How confusing.

[NARCOPOLO76]

Great breakdown!! As a libertarian i can speak with liberals on social issues, and a conservative on fiscal issues, I never thought i was a centrist!! Usually im am considered by the mindless american followers, to be either a right wing extremist or a communist, I cant even beguine to describe the struggle.... ARGGHHHHHH!!!!

[pomotov]

Awsome analysis! I´m a big admirer of thoreau´s works and this has enriched my perspective about thoreau´s philosophy in many ways! Thanks a lot!

[BrutusCass]

Nice series of videos, very informative ;-))

[AhYaOk]

He wasnt completely against the government, just some policies. He saw the good things in democracy as well. Also, he was not completely liberal or conservative.

[JIM2u007]

Excellent lecture. Thank you.

[ataraxia151]

From 'On the Duty of Civil Disobedience'- "that government is best which governs not at all". Thoreau was a libertarian, not a liberal in today's sense of the word. For more, find a copy of F. Bastiat's 'The Law'.

[charliepc56]

Thoreau was a great American. "I lived there two years and two months. At present I am a sojourner in civilized life again." Yes, he lived at Walden only two years, then back to society. Thoreau had no problem living within society, but he reserved the right as an individual to step out of the road most traveled and into the woods to travel the road less traveled; a road free from oppresion, coercion and taxs. He was a champion of individual rights, but he enjoyed society.

[thorsmitersaw]

constraints society HAS to place upon the individual? Humbug! A freedom of association was among the closest to the heart of Thoreau. And to my death I agree with him in demanding consent.

But anyway, Good series!

[ihateyotube11]

I agree. I also don't believe Thoreau wasn't completely selfish, I think he published his works for the benefit of man kind. He wasn't a complete misanthropist, just preferring his own company and thoughts while still wanting to broaden the horizons of his kin.