# Étienne de La Boétie

> French judge, writer and philosopher (1530–1563)

**Wikidata**: [Q290227](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q290227)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Étienne_de_La_Boétie)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/etienne-de-la-boetie

## Summary
Étienne de La Boétie was a French judge, writer, and philosopher born in 1530. He is best known for authoring the "Discourse on Voluntary Servitude," a foundational essay on political philosophy. His work established him as a significant figure in the tradition of French moralism.

## Biography
- **Born:** November 1, 1530
- **Nationality:** France
- **Education:** University of Orléans, College of Guienne
- **Known for:** Authoring the "Discourse on Voluntary Servitude" and contributions to political philosophy
- **Employer(s):** University of Orléans, College of Guienne (Affiliations)
- **Field(s):** Philosophy, justice and judicial activities, politics, literature

## Contributions
Étienne de La Boétie authored the "Discourse on Voluntary Servitude," an essay on political philosophy that explores the nature of tyranny and the consent of the governed. He contributed to the field of French moralism as a philosopher and theologian working in morality. Additionally, he engaged in judicial activities as a judge and participated in political activities as a politician.

## FAQs
**What is Étienne de La Boétie's most famous work?**
He is best known for the "Discourse on Voluntary Servitude," an essay on political philosophy.

**What were Étienne de La Boétie's professions?**
He worked as a judge, writer, philosopher, poet, politician, and French moralist.

**Where did Étienne de La Boétie receive his education?**
He was educated at the University of Orléans and the College of Guienne.

**When was Étienne de La Boétie born and when did he die?**
He was born on November 1, 1530, and died on August 18, 1563.

**What fields did Étienne de La Boétie work in?**
His fields of work included philosophy, justice and judicial activities, politics, and literature.

## Why They Matter
La Boétie matters for his foundational contributions to political philosophy through his analysis of tyranny and voluntary servitude. His work as a French moralist influenced the way power and consent are understood in political thought. His legacy continues to be studied by philosophers, such as Miguel Abensour, and is commemorated by landmarks like rue La Boétie in Paris.

## Notable For
- Writing the "Discourse on Voluntary Servitude."
- Serving as a French judge and philosopher during the 16th century.
- Being classified as a French moralist.
- Having a street in Paris, rue La Boétie, named after him.

## Body
### Identity and Professional Roles
Étienne de La Boétie was a human and a citizen of France. He held multiple professional identities throughout his life, serving as a judge, writer, and philosopher. Additionally, he was recognized as a poet and a politician. Within the realm of philosophy, he is specifically identified as a French moralist, a type of philosopher or theologian who focuses on moralism or morality.

### Academic Background and Affiliations
La Boétie was educated at the College of Guienne, a school located in Bordeaux, France. He was also affiliated with the University of Orléans, a French university. These institutions formed the basis of his academic and professional background.

### Notable Work
The most significant contribution by Étienne de La Boétie is the "Discourse on Voluntary Servitude." This work is categorized as an essay on political philosophy. It stands as his notable work and a primary text associated with his legacy.

### Areas of Expertise
His professional activities spanned several distinct fields. He was actively involved in philosophy, the study of truths and principles of being and conduct. He participated in justice and judicial activities, consistent with his occupation as a judge. His work also encompassed politics, the activities associated with group decisions and governance. Furthermore, he contributed to literature, the written art form.

### Legacy and Recognition
La Boétie's influence extends to modern scholarship, with figures like Miguel Abensour—a French philosopher specializing in political philosophy—operating in related areas of study. His name is memorialized in geography by rue La Boétie, a street in Paris, France. He is also known by various aliases, including Étienne de la Boétie, Etienne de la Boetie, and La Boétie.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Catalog of the German National Library
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. Library of the World's Best Literature
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. CiNii Research
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=La%20Boétie%20Étienne%20de)
11. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index10.html)
12. Autoritats UB
13. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
14. LIBRIS. 2006
15. Treccani Philosophy