Andrew Jackson and Thoreau did have similar views, though slightly altered, of materialism and the idea of a limited national government. One point must be covered when speaking of their similarities, during this time period, a man who was born in a cabin was looked upon highly, and some of those of noble upbringings apologized for not being born in more humble surroundings. Jackson felt that the rich altered the government with their corporations and control over money as well as high taxation for their benefits. "The surplus money will be drawn from the pockets of the the people," Jackson continues speaking on taxes in his Address, "from the farmer, the mechanic, and the laboring

Jackson felt the government should stand as a union of democracy with little emphasis on the individual. This is apparent in not only what he writes in his farewell address, but also how he writes it. In contrast to Thoreau's use of "I", in "Walden", Jackson constantly points out "we". Thus meaning the "union" of people and coinciding with the bill of rights, " We the people of the United States...." One of the most apparent divisions occurs in their definitions of the common man. Thoreau feels the common man is one that relies on conscience to create a view of morality in contrast Jackson appeals to the public opinion. Jackson feels the government is a union of the people and it's laws should reflect the peoples opinion, but Thoreau would add " the majorities not the individuals". Jackson also feels the common man is "the laboring class", were as Thorea's is "the laboring man has not time for a true integrity day by day; he can not afford to sustain the maliest relations to men; his labor would be depreciated in the market." Then he adds with forceful meaning, "He has no time to be anything but a machine." Through looking at Thoreau's comment one must realize the distinction between the "laboring man" and the use of the word "men". Concluding that Thoreau's idea of the "common man" is not the laboring class. Another difference of opinion occurs in the idea of wealth and it's m

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Approximate Word count = 941
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)