Biography: "Henry David Thoreau was an American naturalist. He was also an essayist, poet, and philosopher. A leading transcendentalist, he is best known for his book Walden. It is a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings. And his essay "Civil Disobedience", an argument in favor of citizen disobedience against an unjust state."

Beliefs About Nature: "Thoreau knew that the natural world provides humans with needed materials to survive. But just as much as it helps us to survive, it also can be violent and indifferent to humanity's welfare."

"Thoreau believed that the quiet contemplation of nature shows a sense of tranquility. It also shows peace, and introspection within individuals."

Beliefs About Individualism: "In "Civil Disobedience," Thoreau expressed his belief in the power the obligation of the individual to determine right from wrong, independent of the dictates of society. Thoreau argued that the government must end its unjust actions to earn the right to collect taxes from its citizens."

Beliefs About Spirituality and Religion: Although Theoreau comes across a naturalist, he is actually religious. This aspect of his thought places religion beyond the constraints of an institution and places religion beyond the walls of human structures. God's moral teachings that is, morality itself, must come before any government's laws. Especially the American government's unjust ones.