This Day The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail (1846) [Archive Favorite]
Aug 10, 2025
On August 13, 1846, Henry David Thoreau spent a night in jail for refusing to pay a poll tax, showcasing his defiance against taxation. The discussion dives into how this incident shaped his philosophical views on civil disobedience and environmentalism. Thoreau's privileged background contrasts sharply with his moral advocacy for abolitionism, raising ethical questions about social privilege. The episode also connects his ideas to the broader spirit of resistance against injustice, making for a compelling exploration of his legacy.
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One Night In Jail
- Jody Avirgan recounts Thoreau refusing to pay his poll tax and spending one night in jail.
- Thoreau returned to Walden Pond after Emerson visited him in prison.
Walden As A Retreat
- Kellie Carter Jackson describes Thoreau's tiny cabin and quiet Walden Pond.
- She notes the place feels like a dated Airbnb and a true retreat.
Privilege Shapes Thoreau's Protest
- Jody Avirgan and Kellie Carter Jackson note Thoreau's privilege enabled his retreat and protest.
- They argue his choices differed from those who lacked similar means.
