Étienne de La Boétie's 'Discourse on Voluntary Servitude' is a seminal work of political philosophy from the 16th century. It provocatively explores the fundamental question of why people willingly submit to oppressive rulers, rather than asserting their collective power. La Boétie argues that tyranny thrives not on the ruler's strength, but on the people's voluntary servitude. He posits that true liberty can be reclaimed through collective non-compliance and a simple refusal to obey. This timeless essay remains a powerful call for individual and collective self-liberation, questioning the very foundations of political authority.