Item 94 - Letter from W. Lutoslawski to Henry Sidgwick

1 doc

Asks Sidgwick if he remembers his visit five years previously and their correspondence in relation to Sidgwick's article in Mind. Declares that since then, he has progressed in the expression of his views, having written 'a big book to prove that Plato did not always remain an appearance of something else, but that he became at last a true Being himself.' Refers to his last letter of Christmas 1894 'asking too many indiscreet questions', which Sidgwick left unanswered. Announces that he has written a work entitled Über die Grundvoraussetzungen und Konsequenzen der individualistischen Weltanschauung, in which he has developed the thoughts contained in his first letter to Sidgwick. Wishes to know Sidgwick's opinion on the work, which was recently published in Helsingfors, and sends a copy to him together with two other pamphlets - 'an account of Polish philosophy and a new theory of affinities of style, founded on a detailed investigation of Plato's style' - [not included].

Reports that after five years of research, he now wishes to return to teaching, and has been received by the University of Cracow as a 'Privatdocent', and will begin lecturing on psychology and logic in October. Expresses the hope of starting 'a true school of Polish philosophy.' Contemplates applying for the vacant Anderson lectureship of psychology in Aberdeen. Asks Sidgwick if he believes that they would 'object on general grounds to a foreigner?' Remembers 'with sincere gratitude' Sidgwick's kindness, and hopes one day to visit him again in Cambridge. Sends his regards to Mrs Sidgwick.