Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart (1739–1791) – his attitude towards Germany and Poland

Abstract

The article discusses the views of the German-speaking writer Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart concerning Germany and Poland and the countries’ citizens, their conduct, values and way of life. Schubart, who was one of the most outstanding thinkers of the 18th century, had a peculiar personality. On the one hand, he was a very talented journalist and musician; on the other hand, he was also a fundamental rebel. He was characterized by rakishness, a dissolute lifestyle and revolutionism. Driven by patriotism and religiousness, he criticized the social conditions in Germany, for which he blamed mainly the German aristocracy and representatives of the Church. He accused the higher social strata of despotic rule and tyranny. At the same time he criticized religious believers for their sluggishness and passivity. In his publications, Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart presented his views about German culture expecting scientists and artists to be become more involved in promoting the German character. He faced very critical German education. He believed it did not take into consideration social changes and new challenges occurring in Germany. As a man interested in politics, he concentrated not only on aspects concerning the homeland, but was also interested in other countries such as Poland. Schubart took an interest in various aspects of Poland, but he was particularly interested in the stormy political events which were taking place in Poland at that time. He appreciated the extraordinary patriotism of Poles. Many articles written by Schubart have been preserved in which he expressed his admiration for the Polish nation and culture. However, negative comments about Poles appear also in Schubart’s publications. Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart should be regarded as an outstanding chronicler whose works provide an insight into life in the 18th century.