In his essay "civil disobedience," henry david thoreau wrote "that government is best which governs least." which answer best shows how this motto reflects transcendentalist principles? an ideal government does not exist, so anarchy is best for a nation. citizens require the government to define the difference between right and wrong. government can act as an impediment to the will and morality of individual men. an ideal nation is one that is not governed by a monarchy or dictatorship. government on a large scale is inefficient and should be managed at the state level.

In his essay "Civil Disobedience," Henry David Thoreau wrote, "That government is best which governs least." Answer that best shows how this motto reflects transcendentalist principles is Government can act as an impediment to the will and morality of individual men.

Through this quote, Thoreau asserted that government should not interfere with the lives of the people. In his time the government didn't interfere as compared with today. He believes that the only purpose that we form a government is to protect our rights, liberty and other pursuits rather than interfere with the other aspects of life. He further asserts that when laws and rules are formed which are not directly linked to our security and safety, it does not form the best form of government. Thoreau was upset with the US government and because of slavery and war with Mexico. he believed that government did more to its people than good by allowing slavery.