Natura umana e propensione al servilismo politico in Étienne de La Boétie

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to reveal the complete anthropological view inside La Boetie’s Discourse on voluntary servitude. At first, the author draws an idealistic image of the human nature, forged for fraternity and spirit of liberty. But as his description of the historical reality progresses, he is forced to recognize that man is easily corrupted and servile towards authoritarian governments: so appears his true nature. La Boetie urges men to change their condition.