Henryk Elzenberg in the World of Consumption

Why Would He Be an Outsider?

Abstract

The article is an attempt to answer the title question: “Henryk Elzenberg in world consumption and why would he be an outsider?” In order to answer this question, it is necessary to trace how Elzenberg, the "arranger of value tables", axiological perfectionist, supporter of a pessimistic vision of man could find himself in the contemporary world of consumption built on utilitarian values. In the area of axiology, Elzenberg's philosophy and the world of consumption are two different worlds, agreement between which is practically impossible. Elzenberg's pessimistic vision of the world, man and consumerism pursuit of the pleasures of life are also situated in two different dimensions. Another significant difference between Elzenberg's and the consumerist vision of the world is the understanding of freedom. On the other hand, love is completely differently understood by Elzenberg and realized in the consumerist reality. Certainly, a concept of "happiness without obligations” as the essence of consumer love, greedy love, unsymmetrical love, in which my needs are primarily to be met, and the second unit of the union is treated as a tool to achieve this goal, would not meet Elzenberg's acceptance. In completely different dimensions, two extremely important values are realized, namely dignity and truth, and in particular its negation, i.e. a lie. What is surprising, however, is the actuality of perceptions of politicians and power. With the help of Elzenberg's remarks from over a hundred years ago, we can describe how the sphere of politics is functioning in the Polish reality today.