Civil Disobedience in the Fast Lane
Most people would see their cars the same way they would see and accept a government: they accept the factory settings, the factory exhaust, the factory suspension, and the speed is limited at 160 miles per hour. Much like a government, cars can run the same way - the ECU keeps the car within factory limits. Is it reliable? Sure it is, but it is still very restrictive.
In Thoreau's Civil Disobedience, he argued that government works the same way. A lot of people accept that society has its own "stock settings", even if they are unfair. The majority rules because its the "fastest" car on the road. Thoreau on the other hand believes that conscience should steer us, not blind obedience.
This is where civil disobedience kicks in, its like modifying your car. Instead of staying with the terrible factory parts you decide to purchase some aftermarket parts and put them on your car. A better exhaust, a twin turbo, or a tune. In the same way, not supporting an unjust law is a way of "returning" society
Thoreau said that if the government persuades you to participate in injustice that you must become a "counter-friction to stop the machine." In the car world thats like shutting down the faulty system or rebuilding it completely. You're not destroying the car - you are making it run better.
Factory parts can be safe for the average driver, but on the other hand true car enthusiasts know that in order to achieve peak performance it requires tuning. Thoreau's point still stands: don't let someone else run your life.
This brings up the question: are you cruising on factory parts, or are you brave enough to take over and do it your own way?
First off, kudos to you for connecting factory restrictions with limited freedom. That’s an interesting perspective. However, I don’t entirely agree with your statement: “You’re not destroying the car, you are making it run better.” In reality, many modifications car enthusiasts make often cause more harm than good. A louder exhaust may feel exciting, but it disturbs wildlife, irritates people, and creates public nuisances. A stronger engine leads to more pollution, and faster cars increase accident risks.
ReplyDeleteBecause of this, I don’t think government car restrictions take away our freedom; they protect it. These rules exist for our own good. After all, we elect our leaders because we trust them to do what’s best for society, and it’s our responsibility to accept restrictions that prevent harm, even if we don’t personally like them. And if someone truly dislikes those limits, they still have an outlet: modify your car for a racetrack. Using heavily modified cars on public roads isn’t freedom; it’s removing the freedom of the average driver who just wants to drive in peace under fair regulations.