My “Littlefight” with Mierosławski

Abstract

This article discusses the relations between Cyprian Norwid and General Ludwik Mierosławski, participant in national uprisings, leader of the January Uprising, and an activist in exile, presenting their personal contacts and Norwid’s opinions voiced in literary works, letters and journalism. These opinions encompass his support for democratic ideas proclaimed by the general and critical statements. While appreciating Mierosławski as a militarist and a man of action capable of implementing policies intended to transform the mindset of the Polish public to facilitate building a modern state, the poet expected that his activity would be subordinated to a superior idea, which, owing to its Christian foundations, would indicate the path to independence. He demanded that Mierosławski recognize the primacy of thought over action, that journalism be used to influence the public opinion, both in Poland and around Europe, and that measures be developed to dismantle political barriers existing within the émigré community.