At the end of his essay ‘Civil Disobedience,’ Thoreau expresses a critical perspective on the state, viewing it as a potentially oppressive force that stands in contradiction to individual conscience and moral law. He argues that the state often prioritizes its own interests over justice and human rights, leading to a system that can perpetuate injustice.
Thoreau emphasizes the idea that citizens have a moral obligation to resist laws that they deem unjust. He believes that the state, rather than being an entity that inherently serves the populace, can function more as a machine that enforces conformity and suppresses true morality. His conclusion reinforces the principle that true progress and justice come from the individual’s willingness to act according to their conscience, even if it means standing in opposition to government authority.
Overall, Thoreau’s view of the state at the end of the essay suggests that it is not a benevolent force, but rather an institution that requires critical examination and, when necessary, nonviolent resistance from those it governs.