Shaping patriotic attitudes in the Pilecki family

The research refers to shaping of patriotic attitudes amongst renowned Polish families. The objective of the research is to answer to the following question: How patriotic attitudes had been shaped in the Pilecki family? The author applies the history-pedagogy method. Pilecki family history in the period between the second half of the 19th century and the thirties of the 20th century (repressions after the January Uprising in particular) has been analysed. Three generations of the Pilecki family have been described: Julian and Ludwika Pilecki, Witold and Maria Pilecki, and finally Witold and Maria’s children. The author concentrates on the three following levels of the shaping of attitudes: emotional, behavioural, cognitive. Results and conclusions: The results of the analysis show that, in the Pilecki family, patriotism had been taking shape at all three levels. At the emotional level, an atmosphere of patriotism had been present and recollections of the Tsarist regime’s injustices had been cultivated. At the behavioural level, young people had been encouraged to fill the ranks of scouting organizations and to cultivate Polish language and traditions. It happened to move to other places where Russification pressure had been weaker. The repressions had been met with both courage and determination. At the cognitive level, interesting discussions concerning Polish history were regularly organized. The knowledge on this subject had been transferred to the youth. Polish literature and paintings had been carefully studied. Cognitive actions had been carefully planned. Children’s acumen had been shaped thanks to constructive games and working with books. Patriotism engraved in memories of the insurgents had also been consolidated. The research demonstrates how patriotism had been shaping itself in the Pilecki family. The next challenge is to find out how this information can be used in modern times. Situations and episodes from the Pilecki family’s life, described in the article, can serve as inspiration in shaping patriotism.