Blackwell Reference Online

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Etienne de La Boétie was a distinguished lawyer, poet, and humanist who also translated Xenophon and Plutarch. Most importantly, his “Discourse of Voluntary Servitude” is considered the basis for modern non-violent protest movements . De La Boétie was born in Sarlat, France, on November 1, 1530 to a family of magistrates. His father, a lieutenant, died when Etienne was still very young, so his uncle, Estienne, took responsibility for his education. Although some historians claim that de La Boétie went to the Coll≖ge de Guyenne in Bordeaux, others disagree. Historians do agree that de la Boétie studied law at the University of Orleans under the guidance of Anne du Bourg. He graduated in 1553, and six years later his mentor was burned for heresy. During his years as a university student, de La Boétie conceived his most famous work, the “Discourse of Voluntary Servitude,” which was a reaction to the attitude of the French king, Francois I. In September 1579, a new regulation taxing salt (la gabelle) prompted popular uprisings in Bordeaux, and the government engaged in brutal repression. On this occasion, de La Boétie started asking himself why people obey rules that go against their own interest. The result was a pamphlet, circulated privately until 1576, called “Le Discours de la servitude volontaire.” Thanks to the reputation he earned during his university years, upon completion ... log in or subscribe to read full text