Etienne de La Boetie Quotes
Etienne de La Boetie (1530-1563) was a French political philosopher and writer. He is best known for his work Discourse on Voluntary Servitude, which argued that people should not be enslaved by tyrants. He also wrote a number of other works, including The Politics of Obedience, a treatise on the na…Read More
Etienne de La Boetie (1530-1563) was a French political philosopher and writer. He is best known for his work Discourse on Voluntary Servitude, which argued that people should not be enslaved by tyrants. He also wrote a number of other works, including The Politics of Obedience, a treatise on the nature of political power, and The Politics of Freedom, a treatise on the nature of freedom. La Boetie’s works had a major influence on later political thinkers, including Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke.Read Less
Etienne de La Boetie (1530-1563) was a French political philosopher and writer. He is best known for his work Discourse on Voluntary Servitude, which argued that people should not be enslaved by tyrants. He also wrote a number of other works, including The Politics of Obedience, a treatise on the nature of political power, and The Politics of Freedom, a treatise on the nature of freedom. La Boetie’s works had a major influence on later political thinkers, including Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke.
Etienne de La Boetie Career Highlights
Etienne de La Boetie was a French philosopher, writer, and political theorist who lived from 1530 to 1563. He is best known for his influential essay “The Discourse on Voluntary Servitude,” which was published posthumously in 1576. La Boetie’s work has had a lasting impact on political thought and has been studied and referenced by many prominent thinkers throughout history.
Key Contributions by Etienne de La Boetie
La Boetie’s most significant contribution was his essay “The Discourse on Voluntary Servitude,” which was written when he was only 18 years old. In this essay, he argues that tyrants are only able to maintain their power because the people willingly submit to them. He believed that if the people were to withdraw their consent and refuse to obey, the tyrant’s power would crumble. This idea of non-cooperation with oppressive rulers has been influential in many movements for social and political change.
What Sets Etienne de La Boetie Apart
What sets La Boetie apart is the fact that he was able to articulate such a powerful and radical idea at such a young age. His essay was written during a time when absolute monarchy was the dominant form of government, and challenging the authority of rulers was considered treasonous. Despite this, La Boetie fearlessly expressed his beliefs and ideas, which have continued to inspire and challenge people to question authority.
Takeaways
La Boetie’s work serves as a reminder that individuals have the power to resist and challenge oppressive systems. He believed that true freedom could only be achieved through the collective action of the people. His ideas have been influential in many movements for social and political change, and his essay continues to be studied and referenced by scholars and activists alike. La Boetie’s legacy serves as a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable power, individuals have the ability to resist and create change.
Other People
Writer/Author
Writer
· England
1878 - 1957
Writer
· England
1950
Writer
1892 - 1966
