Człowieczeństwo : jego natura, kryzys i próby ratowania w naszym czasie : z badań Otto F. Bollnowa

A philosopher should distinguish between real and apparent threads. Otto F. Bollnow (1903-1991) believed that what is particularly threatened in man is his humanity. The threats to which man is subject always take on a definite historical form. To discern them one must first determine what humanity is. Its distinguishing features are gentleness and kindness, generosity, participation in the life of another human being as the warmth of consideratedness, compassion, and understanding. Humanity is the fulfillment of the more profound nature of man, and it can be preserved even in our times. Technology and rationalisation of life are not an obstacle. Threats to humanity are the absolute desire to succeed, the dissolution of the individual in the mass, and the reduction of the person to a mere object. Humanity is served by achieving inner peace, showing respect for another person and respecting his mystery, developing in oneself an independent power of judgement. The chance to preserve a plain and simple humanity today is available to each of us.