“Time to change has come and gone. Once your fears become your God. It’s your decision…” Those lyrics from the song “Your Decision” by Alice in Chains reverberate in my mind as I consider the profoundness of La Boétie’s “Voluntary Servitude”. I find it fascinating how the lyrics of the song corresponded with his message. The only power a dictator truly has is given to him by the people. But, time and time again, those people make a decision to be conquered. Some do so because they are afraid to oppose a tyrant. Others do so out of apathy.
La Boétie says, “A people enslaves itself.” By this, I believe he means that a blasé people would rather live in oppression, than act in opposition. It is not necessarily easier; but more comfortable to put on a façade than to deny power to a tyrant. But that is exactly what people have done throughout history.
It is also suggested that, violence is not the solution to tyranny. La Boétie says that, by not conforming to the forces a tyrant, people leave him with nothing. I believe La Boétie’s message is that, the true power when opposing a dictatorship comes from nonviolence. Violent action often leads to equally violent reaction, whereas, nonviolent action is the pulse of the oppressed, and has proven to be a powerful tool when defeating a dictator.
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