"The fact is that the tyrant is never truly loved, nor does he love. Friendship withers under tyrants. Friendship is a sacred word, a holy thing; it is never developed except between persons of character, and never takes root except through mutual respect; it flourishes not so much by kindnesses as by sincerity. What makes one friend sure of another is the knowledge of his integrity: as guarantees he has his friend's fine nature, his honor, and his constancy. There can be no friendship where there is cruelty, where there is disloyalty, where there is injustice. And in places where the wicked gather there is conspiracy only, not companionship: these have no affection for one another; fear alone holds them together; they are not friends, they are merely accomplices." Étienne de La Boétie,.from 'Discourse on Voluntary Servitude' (1577)
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Crossroads blogThe random thoughts of 99th Monkey . . . an occasional rant and other reflections in the hall of mirrors. Archives
October 2023
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