Hatred as a form of alienation in the thinking of Karol Wojtyła

Abstract

The article refers to the most important work of Karol Wojtyla: "Osoba i czyn" ["The Acting Person"]. Wojtyla's thought about man can be discussed in three steps: Freedom as a gift, as a task and as a devotion which is fulfilled in responsible love – totus tuus – communio personarum. First, participation (in goodness, love, beauty) as the fulfillment of freedom is shown. Next, the article presents hatred as human alienation and a negation of liberty. Finally, both views are compared. Hatred means alienation and denial of oneself as the human being is created to love. Only if we participate in this task of loving are we able to find who we really are. Our liberal culture is in danger of forgetting the essence of the human person. Instead of strengthening our freedom in truth and promoting responsible love, there is growing alienation, hatred and violence. The drama of man, i.e. a choice between love and hatred is a choice between alienation and participation.