Thoreau took the consequences of his choices (which were not injurious to anyone). There is no reason to view him negatively unless you’re projecting on him how his followers have acted after his death. It’s the Nietzsche effect...an honorable man who’s had the misfortune of dim followers.
Frankly, I've got no reason to view him positively.
“It’s the Nietzsche effect...an honorable man who’s had the misfortune of dim followers.”
Yeah, I’ve had a downturn in fortune since some in-laws moved in.