Our nature is such that the common duties of human relationship occupy a great part of the course of our life.
 Étienne de La Boétie, Discourse on Voluntary Servitude (1576). copy citation

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Author Étienne de La Boétie
Source Discourse on Voluntary Servitude
Topic relationship duty
Date 1576
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by Harry Kurz
Weblink https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Discourse_on_Voluntary_Servitude

Context

“one should not be amazed that the nation obeys, but simply be grieved by the situation; or rather, instead of being amazed or saddened, consider patiently the evil and look forward hopefully toward a happier future. Our nature is such that the common duties of human relationship occupy a great part of the course of our life. It is reasonable to love virtue, to esteem good deeds, to be grateful for good from whatever source we may receive it, and, often, to give up some of our comfort in order to increase the honor and advantage of some man whom we love and who deserves it.” source