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A very few, as heroes, patriots, martyrs, reformers in the…

“A very few, as heroes, patriots, martyrs, reformers in the great sense, and men, serve the state with their conscience also, and so necessarily resist it for the most part, and they are commonly treated as enemies by it.” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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“A very few, as heroes, patriots, martyrs, reformers in the great sense, and men, serve the state with their conscience also, and so necessarily resist it for the most part, and they are commonly treated as enemies by it.”

Henry David Thoreau

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Individuals who act according to conscience often oppose the state and are labeled enemies.

In simple terms: Conscientious people are seen as threats.

Key Takeaway

Stand by conscience despite opposition.

Themes

conscience state resistance heroism

Mood

reflective defiant

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • whistleblowing
  • journalism
  • human rights advocacy

Key Concepts

civil disobedience ethical duty political dissent

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance personal conscience with civic duties?
  • When is civil disobedience justified?
A Different Perspective

State power can suppress dissent and label truth‑tellers as enemies.

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