Question

Thoreau provides us with a detailed account of his imprisonment ( paras,28-35). What is the ethical lesson that Thoreau learned in prison?

Answer 1

Thoreau realizes that the State is weak and has no real power over him or any other person. The State cannot force a man to change his opinions or views, so what power does it have? He realizes that people are in charge of themselves and must live according to their own nature. 

Answer 2

While in prison, Thoreau developed many of the ideas that are present both in Resistance to Civil Government and in Walden. One of the most significant ideas that Thoreau developed is that of questioning the authority of the government. Thoreau argues that the government might sometimes create laws that go against the morality and ethical principles of people. Thoreau believes that, when this happens, the government has no authority to force people to act against their morals. Instead, people should always act according to their values, even when this means disobeying the government.