Thoreau's essay on "Civil Disobedience" encourages nonviolent protests to try to bring about change. Thoreau believed in the power of individual conscience and advocated for peaceful resistance against unjust laws or actions taken by the government. He emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and standing up for one's beliefs through peaceful means rather than resorting to violence. Thoreau's ideas in "Civil Disobedience" have had a significant impact on movements advocating for social and political change through peaceful protest.