Answer :

Final answer:

Henry David Thoreau's refusal to 'sit on another man's shoulders' symbolizes his commitment to living a life based on self-reliance and personal conviction, resisting societal and governmental pressures which he discusses in his essays 'Civil Disobedience' and 'Walden'.

Explanation:

When Henry David Thoreau says he refuses to sit on another man's shoulders, he is expressing his commitment to individualism and self-reliance. This concept is a foundational element in Thoreau's philosophy, particularly reflected in his famous essays "Civil Disobedience" and "Walden".

Thoreau's metaphor implies that he does not want to be elevated by the efforts or status of others, preferring to rely on his own capabilities and ethical convictions to live an authentic and principled life. His beliefs highlight the importance of personal freedom, a key theme running throughout his work.

Thoreau's approach was to live simply and independently, often at odds with government and societal norms of his time. His civil disobedience and choice to live in solitude at Walden Pond were ways of demonstrating his belief in these freedoms.

Thoreau's works have inspired many leaders of nonviolent resistance and continue to resonate with readers who aspire to live according to their own values, regardless of societal pressures.

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