The best way to review “Civil Disobedience” is to let Thoreau speak for himself: “There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly.” A great essay, inconsistent on what government is for, with four more essays of mixed value. … More Book Review: Civil Disobedience and Other Essays, by Henry David Thoreau