One characteristic of thoreau's style is the the use of aphorism. for example, in paragraph 4, he writes, "it is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right." find other examples of thoreau's aphorisms.

"If the injustice is part of the necessary friction of the machine of government, let it go, let it go: per-chance it will wear smooth,-certainly the machine will wear out. If the injustice has a spring, or a pulley, or a rope, or a crank, exclusively for itself, then perhaps you may consider whether the remedy will not be worse than the evil; but if it is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to an-other, then, I say, break the law."

"It is not a man's duty, as a matter of course, to devote himself to the eradication of any, even the most enormous wrong; he may still properly have other concerns to engage him; but it is his duty, at least, to wash his hands of it, and, if he gives it no thought longer, not to give it practically his support.  If I devote myself to other pursuits and contemplations, I must first see, at least, that I do not pursue them sitting upon another man's shoulders."

Explanation:

An aphorism, according to Merriam-Webster, is "a concise statement of principle." Henry David Thoreau is well known for his book, Walden and his essay "Civil Disobedience," was very fond of using aphorism in his essays.

that’s the kind of bug henry was; and if we’d a had him along ’stead of our kings, he’d a fooled that town a heap worse than ourn done.”