Przemiany kultury pamięci – od kultu bohaterów do hołdu oddawanego ofiarom
Transformations of the Culture of Memory: From the Cult of Heroes to Paying Homage to the Victims

Summary/Abstract: The author analyzes the reasons for the changes in the culture of memory – from the cult of heroes to paying homage to the victims. According to the author, four reasons played a fundamental role in this transformation. First, the religion of life, which claims that there is no greater value than the temporal life. Second, democratic egalitarianism, which undermines faith in the importance of great individuals in history. Third, the change in the attitude of European countries to war – from the belief that waging war is the most important goal of the state, to believe that the most important task is to preserve peace. Fourth, the sense of guilt of the West regarding its own past. The article explains these causes and presents some of the consequences of this change.

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