The major theme of "Life without Principle" is

A. government.

B. religion.

C. freedom.

D. economics.

The major theme of "Life without Principle" is D: economics.

The author of the work, Henry David Thoreau, explored the differences between what he termed "honest labor" and the various other ways of earning a living that were becoming more common during the time he lived. He was particularly against the idea of going to work solely to earn money or for financial reward. He believed that one should work for the greater good of oneself and society. Going to work purely for financial reward and nothing else, provided no real benefit to society.