Aristocracy Today: Tradition, Identity, Responsibility

About the event

Is aristocracy just a distant shadow of the past? Can one inherit not only wealth but also obligations to history? Does the world still need aristocracy, not the salon kind, but intellectual and moral? What is it like to be a Radziwiłł in the 21st century? We invite you to a unique meeting with two extraordinary figures – Maciej Radziwiłł and Aleksander Kaczorowski – whose conversation became the basis for the book "Radziwiłł" (Iskry Publishing House, 2025). Maciej Radziwiłł – sociologist, financier, philanthropist, and during the PRL era, a printer of underground publications, one of the pioneers of the Polish capital market, and founder of the Trzy Trąby Foundation, which combines aristocratic heritage with a modern approach to culture and humanitarian aid. Aleksander Kaczorowski – essayist, translator of Czech literature, author of award-winning biographies and interviews, known for extracting the most essential insights from his interlocutors. We will discuss, among other topics, the fate of the Radziwiłł family, the evolution of the concept of elites, the moral and historical debts of aristocracy to society, the role of family history in building individual identity, how the past can shape the future, and whether the contemporary world still needs values like responsibility, heritage, and public service. 📅 The meeting will take place on September 9 (Tuesday) at the Public Library of the Capital City of Warsaw – Main Library of the Mazovian Voivodeship at Koszykowa Street 26/28 at 6:00 PM in the Kierbedziów Hall. The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Anna Karczewska (Department of Publishing News and Cultural Events).