Zdziechowski Marian- On cruelty [Krakow 1928].

Marian Zdziechowski/ O okrucieństwie/ Krakow 1928/ Published by Krakowska Spółka Wydawnicza/ booklet binding/ pp. 60/ good condition, some soiling and scratches on the edges of the binding, light soiling and folds of the pages in places

A pre-war philosophical and historical treatise, which is an imprint from the "Contemporary Review". In it, the author attempts to understand the essence of cruelty - both as a psychological phenomenon and in its historical dimension. He analyzes examples from ancient torture, the Inquisition and witch trials to modern practices and Bolshevik terror, pointing to the continuity of "organized cruelty" in human history.

Zdziechowski juxtaposes philosophical reflection with extensive source material, referring to Russian literature, theologians, as well as contemporary scholars (including René Guyon, Helbing, Vacandard). He particularly emphasizes the paradox of the coexistence of religion and cruelty, showing dramatic examples of the Inquisition or the persecution of witches. The last part of the book is devoted to the relationship of man to animals - Zdziechowski points out that in the sphere of inflicting suffering, man stands out negatively from all living beings