The winter of democracies is coming, as we can all witness.
It’s all snowy. Gloomy. Windy. And cold.
It sure is getting chilly around here too, but good old France has experienced far worse weather, quite often. I wonder if people in the US also start feeling this very winter is coming for them too?
I don’t know about you, but when it starts getting cold and sad outside, to keep myself warm and happy there is little I prefer over a warm cup of tea or, once in a while, a glass of (a good French) wine, while I’m reading a (good French) book. Like, say, this Discourse on Voluntary Servitude.
This is a short but impressive text that was written by Etienne de la Boétie in the second half of the 16th century. He was 17 or 18 years old when he wrote it and despite being so young, or maybe because he was so young, he was not the kind to mince his words while he questioned how it was even possible for a whole population, an entire nation, not only to accept submission to a tyrant but also to desire it, to be looking for it.
He may have written it almost 500 years ago but his Discourse feels as important to read today, and then to discuss it between friends, as it ever was. Maybe more? I think it’s up to anyone to decide about that, it’s really a short read. (Obviously, it is also available in French)
The good news is that there is no such thing as a never-ending winter. Meanwhile, don’t get cold. Read good books and, if you can, remember to leave some food for the birds. Winter is coming for them too.
Published: 2026 Jan 05