Final answer:
Henry David Thoreau called for a government that reflects the will of the people and allows for significant personal liberty, rather than advocating for the absence of government. He highlighted the right to self-govern and engage in passive resistance against unjust authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
Henry David Thoreau did not advocate for the absence of government altogether but, instead, championed the idea of a government that exerts minimal control over individuals. His perspective was that a government should exist only to the extent that it reflects the will of the people and allows for a high degree of personal liberty. Thoreau believed in the right to resist authority when it becomes unjust or oppressive. In his view, people ought to have the ability to govern themselves and possess a certain degree of autonomy. Instead of advocating for 'no government,' Thoreau proposed a sort of self-governance and emphasized the importance of occasional rebellion to maintain liberty and happiness. His ideas were not just theoretical but also practical, as showcased in his refusal to pay a poll tax to protest against slavery and the Mexican-American War, ultimately resulting in his brief imprisonment. His thoughts on 'passive resistance' and individual freedom have inspired numerous leaders of nonviolent movements around the world.