Étienne de La Boétie

Étienne de La Boétie was a French judge, writer, and philosopher, best known for his work 'Discourse on Voluntary Servitude,' which explores the nature of tyranny and the reasons why people submit to it. He was a close friend of the philosopher Michel de Montaigne.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Discurso De La Servidumbre Voluntaria

    This thought-provoking treatise explores the paradox of voluntary servitude, questioning why people willingly submit to tyranny and oppression. It delves into the psychological and social mechanisms that lead individuals to surrender their freedom to a single ruler or authority, despite having the power to resist. The work argues that this submission is not due to force or coercion but rather a result of habit, manipulation, and the allure of comfort and security. It calls for individuals to awaken to their own power and potential for resistance, advocating for the reclaiming of personal and collective freedom.