Thoreau believed every human being has inborn knowledge that enables him to recognize and understand moral truth without benefit of knowledge obtained through the physical senses. Using this inborn knowledge, an individual can make a moral decision without relying on information gained through everyday living, education, and experimentation. One may liken this inborn knowledge to conscience or intuition.

What are some specific topics in “Civil Disobedience”?
• Slavery is an evil institution that must be abolished.
• The Mexican War is an unjust conflict because it is being fought to acquire new territory in which to establish slavery.
• Talk means little unless action backs it up. Saying you are against an unjust government policy does nothing to eliminate that policy. But backing your words up with action—action that may impose hardship on you—will yield results.
• Citizens must oppose efforts by groups that promote their own selfish interests at the expense of morality, ethics, and individual rights.

Group Study Questions
 Do you believe unjust or immoral government policies are in force today in your country? (These policies could be related to taxes, abortion, gun control, religious practices, gender inequality, or any other issue. If you answer yes to the question, identify the policy or policies you oppose.)
 Would you be willing to risk going to jail to oppose a policy (or policies)?
 Other than breaking the law (by refusing to pay a tax, for example, or by participating in a demonstration that blocks traffic) what can you do to eliminate or replace an unjust or immoral government policy? Write an essay on this topic.
Examples of options open to you include boycotts, running for office, contacting your legislative representatives, and proposing a ballot question. There are many more.