Final answer:
Henry David Thoreau's quote reflects his philosophy that society and its advancements, such as technology and governmental influence, should not dictate our lives, emphasizing his ideals of individual freedom and simple living.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Henry David Thoreau wrote “we do no ride on the railroad; it rides upon us,” he was conveying the idea that society and its developments (like the railroad) can dominate our lives and shape our existence, instead of serving as mere tools for our convenience.
The essay 'The Two Freedoms of Henry David Thoreau…' by Alex Jones examines Thoreau’s influential ideas on individual freedom and his attempts to live free from unjust government restraints and social conventions. Thoreau’s exploration of living outside governmental control, as well as his simpler lifestyle close to nature, resonates with readers even today, although the practical application of his ideals in contemporary life.