Let's just stop for one second...- shy tribute to prof. Leszek Kołakowski

Photo from gazeta.pl

"A modern philosopher who has never once suspected himself

of being a charlatan must be such a shallow mind that his work

is probably not worth reading."

Leszek Kołakowski in 'Metaphysical Horror'

Let's stop for one second! If we do not, the news will hit us! As it did hit me on Friday last week, when I read that the most famous Polish philosopher, prof. Leszek Kołakowski has passed away in Oxford hospital. It really shocked me for various reasons.

First of all, we - at least I do - assume that huge minds will never pass away and every time I read about them going away I cannot comprehend why? I know, I am being highly unfair on those, who live a regular, normal life and contribute less to the canonic sciences, maybe...Maybe I just think big minds should live forever...

Secondly, I heard misspilat talking about him so many times...I remember her first impressions after she drove him home from a lecture once. I remember her mentioning the accidental meetings with professor, who lived just few streets away...

And finally, because I never went to his lecture - just 40 min away from my town! I lived next doors to someone whose books I read as a kid, and whose books I even hated for having to study sometimes - because they were so good. And to whose books I had to come back once I was bigger and wiser.

Misspilat drove me next to their house this weekend, and even though we haven't talked about it much, I felt a horrible pain in my heart looking as small house, with tall windows and imagining him still sitting there...

What a loss for Poles! What a loss for Oxford and global community of philosophers! What a loss for all of us!:/

(I just managed to put in on paper today, apologies..)

Comments

[Polish Action – not sure]

[...] about to shape a nice image! The site does not even mention the fact we have just recently lost great Polish philosopher who happened to live in Oxford and contribute to the local community, just as much as to the Polish [...]