Stanisław August

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Stanisław Cat-Mackiewicz, a notable figure in Polish history, reflects on the national character of Poles, suggesting a preference for the unremarkable over the intelligent in leadership roles. He critiques the cultural tendency to celebrate mediocrity, indicating that this mindset is deeply ingrained in Polish society. Born into a family that values his writings, Mackiewicz's insights are seen as relevant not only to historical events but also to the essence of the Polish identity. Mackiewicz (1896-1966), known as "Cat," was a politician, writer, and publicist, educated in law. He participated in the Polish Military Organization during WWI and fought in the Polish-Bolshevik War. In independent Poland, he founded and edited the Vilnius newspaper "Słowo" and was involved with the conservative group known as the "żubry kresowe." He served as a deputy in the Sejm from 1928 to 1930 and was imprisoned in Bereza Kartuska in 1939. After the outbreak of WWII, he left Poland and became a political opponent of General Władysław Sikorski, later serving as the prime minister of the Polish government in exile from 1954 to 1955. Returning to Poland in 1956, he passed away in Warsaw, leaving behind a legacy of politically charged publications, including works on political and literary themes.