He was devoted to his work and beliefs and "encouraged [individuals] in their duty to fight in specific cases" (Harding 9). Thoreau was dedicated to working to reform society for the better and “from the beginning of his life to the end, Thoreau believed that all reform must come from within and cannot be imposed by any external force. We cannot reform society; we can only reform the individual” (Harding 7). As a result of Thoreau's strong leadership and good works and beliefs, he believed that "the reform of society will automatically follow" (Harding 7), as a result of his actions and beliefs.