Étienne de La Boétie

关于作者

Étienne de La Boétie was a French political philosopher and a close associate of Michel de Montaigne. He is best known for his work "Discours de la Servitude Volontaire" (Discourse on Voluntary Servitude), which explores the nature of authority and the reasons why people submit to tyranny. La Boétie's argument centers on the idea that oppression is not maintained through power alone but through the consent of the oppressed, highlighting the psychological mechanisms behind submission and the potential for resistance. His work remains influential in discussions of liberty and governance, emphasizing the importance of individual agency in the face of authority.

Though his life was tragically short, La Boétie's writings left a lasting impact on political thought. He engaged with themes of freedom and servitude that resonate in contemporary discourse on civil rights and personal autonomy. His relationship with Montaigne helped to shape the humanistic ideas of the Renaissance, and his insights into the dynamics of power continue to inspire thinkers and activists today.