One idea of Henry David Thoreau that was adopted by twentieth century leaders of great social change movements was the concept of civil disobedience. Thoreau believed in the power of individuals to stand up against unjust laws and government actions through nonviolent resistance. This idea influenced leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who used civil disobedience to fight for Indian independence from British rule, and Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for civil rights and equality for African Americans in the United States. Thoreau's belief in the moral obligation to resist unjust laws and his commitment to peaceful protest inspired these leaders to challenge oppressive systems and work towards positive social change.
