The American Philosopher Henry David Thoreau provides modern students an important perspective on the state and operation of democratic institutions and society. Many critics of his philosophy cite the author's inability to live up to his articulated tenets as grounds to dismiss the exhortative writings as idealistic and implausible. This essay examines Thoreau's writings from the perspective of a rhetorical educator; showing how Thoreau was acutely aware of his "rhetorical voice" and his image as a "shining example" of Transcendentalism for citizens to follow. Communication teachers might employ Thoreau's writings as both an embodiment of civil disobedience and an example of the power of discourse in building a social ideal upon which to base our educational vision. Contains a 15-item selected bibliography and 23 notes. (Author/RS)