June 28, 2020 is the 20th anniversary of the death of Jozef Tischner.

Tischner was a famous priest and philosopher and one of the leaders of the Polish Solidarity movement that paved the way to Polish democracy.

Prior to becoming active in circles opposed to the Communist government he was an important Cracow-based writer and philosopher.

He was a disciple of professor Roman Ingardenand also a close friend of the Pope John Paul II.

In his works Tischner predominantly dealt with ethical issues and, after the fall of Communism, he focused on the significance of ethical principles for the “new Capitalist Poland”.

He therefore became a public figure, his books quickly became bestsellers and his editorials struck a chord with many of his readers.

His work was greatly influenced by the Jewish philosophy of dialogue. The ideas of Emanuel Levinas, Martin Buber and Franz Rosenzwaig became a household name in Poland due to Tischner’s efforts.

In 2003, one of his students established the Josef Tischner Institute in Cracow in order to preserve Tischner’s philosophical legacy and to expand the boundaries of his approach.

Read more about Josef Tischner

Pictures courtesy of the Tischner Family Collection