Millions of people feel oppressed, downtrodden, unfairly treated and .
Yet only a few ever step forward to try and change things. These are the .
courageous ones; those who change history through their own personal sacrifice. Not .
taken for granted, freedom should instead be cherished and preserved.
Throughout the United States, Civil Disobedience has arisen against the .
government when Americans believe in what they do and feel that their purpose for doing .
it is just. Examples of this include Henry David Thoreau wanting the government to .
leave him alone so much, that he withdraws totally from society during his stay at .
Walden Pond. Thoreau actually seems disappointed that someone else pays his taxes .
for him! This makes him feel like his purpose for going to jail is defeated. Henry .
David's rancor toward slavery in Massachusetts further demonstrates his peaceful .
rebellion. Since those who are against slavery do not do anything about it, nothing .
changes. If an honest man gives up his slaves, and spends one night in jail for refusing .
to own them anymore - it may bring an end to slavery. In the words of Henry David .
Thoreau, "that government is best which governs not at all.".
The pursuit of equality, coupled with a persevering desire to correct society's .
injustices, can impact a nation through one's writing. In Louisa May Alcott's novel .
Little Women, the main character Josephine discovers a writing talent which .
enables her to discuss issues that concern her. One of those concerns is equality for .
women and their right to vote. Jo has a burning desire to contribute something special to .
the world. Alcott publishes several pieces of writing about things she thinks other .
people want to read. However, only when she finally writes about her own life, does her .
first major book become published. She becomes influential in women's rights. .
Consequently, Louisa May Alcott is another historical figure who, like Thoreau, .