Polskość a uniwersalizm kulturowy

Abstract

The article deals with the issues of Polish historic, psychological and philosophical character, the Polish ethos and national character. It discusses the Polish national identity with reference to universal elements of culture and European consciousness. The thesis of the article is the statement that there is no fundamental controversy or opposition between the Polish national identity and contemporary European consciousness. Both orientations and attitudes may, in some respects, supplement and enrich, inspire and enliven each other. They are not destined to be in insoluble conflict and to be under constant pressure. One of the basic conditions of this positive co- relation is a versatile effort towards eradicating negative aspects of the ethos and the Polish national character while developing positive and universal ones. The article shows main components of the two syndromes of the Polish national character, and determines necessary directions and modes of action targeted at diminishing those negative aspects.