BOOK BRIEF

The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude

Étienne de La Boétie
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The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1998

Book Brief

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Étienne de La Boétie

The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

100

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

French Literature

Philosophy
Setting

1530s

Topic
Philosophy

Politics & Government

Psychology
Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude, Étienne de La Boétie explores why individuals willingly submit to tyranny. He analyzes the psychology of power, emphasizing that authority persists because people consent to their own subjugation. The text encourages individuals to recognize this power dynamic and consider the potential to reclaim their freedom.

Contemplative

Mysterious

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

6,808 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Étienne de La Boétie's The Politics of Obedience offers a profound exploration of human compliance with authority. Readers appreciate its philosophical depth and timeless relevance, highlighting the complexities of power structures. However, some find its style dense and dated, challenging modern readability. Overall, it's a seminal work for understanding voluntary servitude dynamics.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude?

A reader of The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude is intrigued by political philosophy, individual freedom, and power dynamics. Fans of Orwell's 1984 or Thoreau's Civil Disobedience will appreciate its critical examination of authority and autonomy.

4.3

6,808 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

100

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

French Literature

Philosophy
Setting

1530s

Topic
Philosophy

Politics & Government

Psychology
Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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