The Philosophical Vision of Józef Życiński

I. Introductory Remarks¹

The time will yet come for a more systematic treatment of the literary and academic work of Józef Życiński. Indeed, I have purposely included both “academic” and “literary,” since Życiński’s legacy deserves recognition in these two fields. In Życiński’s case, it is hard to differentiate between the two. Attempting a synthetic approach to his works, it would behoove one to study the entirety of his work once more, taking an unbiased view of his complete works, allowing for a friendly, though by no means lax, critique. I doubt, however, if I would be capable of this. Likely, I would be able to effect some critique, yet I would be unable to detach myself from the many personal memories I have of Życiński. Even in this brief outline of Życiński’s views, my memories of him have made their way into the text.

Naturally, I knew Życiński’s work: in the years prior to his ordination as bishop, we worked together frequently, but it is only now, looking over his publications for the purposes of this overview, that I realize that a unified philosophical vision is present in Życiński’s writing. Previously, this fact had escaped me, though the fault for this is not mine alone. The contours of a definitive, cohesive philosophy were blurred by the sheer volume of essays and short works produced by Życiński. Hence, a continuation of the reconstruction of Życiński’s philosophical vision is a worthwhile undertaking.

This reconstruction was effected rather hastily, because of the necessity of honoring the deceased in a timely manner. I had in front of me his books and other earlier publications, but time was insufficient to reread these works with due diligence. Instead, select quotes served as reminders of once familiar theses; the accuracy of these theses was consequently verified, in particular to ensure that I am not ascribing my own views to Życiński. One such thesis precipitated the next, and in this manner Życiński’s philosophical vision became clear. One should remember, however, that this is only an introductory overview. Perhaps it can blaze the trail for future systematic treatments of Życiński’s thought.

II. Fascination with Science

At the beginning of our cooperative work, our philosophical views developed mutually, or at least progressed parallel to one another, though with considerable interaction. To a large extent, we worked individually, but both of us were eager writers and published a good number of popular press articles on philosophical and scientific topics. The demand for these works was enormous: we received a continuous stream of letters from our readers. We published article after article in Tygodnik Powszechny, Znak, and in any publication that would accept our work. In those days it wasn’t easy to find amicable editors or to pass through the censorship process unmolested. Because of Życiński’s directness, the censors gave him more trouble than they gave me. Our first opportunity to coauthor a book occurred when Dr. Rev. Stanisław Grzybek, president of the Polish Theological Society, a registered, fully legal organization, realized that the society’s bylaws include a clause that permits publication by the society. After passing through copious amounts of red tape, Rev. Grzybek arranged for the society to publish its first book, and suggested that Życiński and I write something together. Hence, we collected several of our articles, synthesized them into a fairly consistent whole, and after a while, Wszechświat i filozofia [The Universe and Philosophy] saw the light of day.² Perhaps it was beginners luck, or maybe the nostalgia of our former readers, but even today I hear voices calling for a new edition of the book. Of course, this is not possible since time flows more rapidly in academic work than in other areas of culture and books age quickly.

In those days there were few books that represented a different viewpoint from the official Marxist one, and consequently the several thousand copies of our work permitted by the authorities...