Świat niematerialny w życiu aspiranta do "stanu magnackiego". O systemie wartości i charakterze ostatniego wojewody podolskiego Leonarda Marcina Świeykowskiego (1721-1793)

Abstract

L.M. Świeykowski's career from a deputy judge to Podolia Voivode, from a commoner to one of the richest lords of the southeastern Borderland of the Polish Commonwealth, mus t be impressive and must evoke a reflection: what personality features would guarantee such success at that time. Comparing L.M. Świeykowski's life, his personal qualities and a stereotypical image of a magnate, Świeykowski appears to be a truly hardworking and thrifty man who was mainly focused on increasing his assets. Although he was not fulIy lacking political ambitions, he clearly distanced himself from current affairs. He became more active only during Targowica, where he attempted to advise Stanisław Szczęsny Potocki on the political system, which earned him the name "Targowica man" . Similar to this, due to his legal interests he was labeled a ''vexatious litigant" . Yet he did not deserve both these opinions. Although he held balanced republican opinions, he was ready to make concessions for the country's welfare. However, with regard to his cases in litigation, he was always prepared to them, but he never acted beyond the law. Moreover, he was believed to be a very just man, which was also true with regard to his subjects; he was tolerant to them, the same as to his sons, who were punished only by ironie rebuke. L.M. Świeykowski's career model shows that a simple nobleman could make a career not only through clientelism, even though the Lubomirski's support is also visible in his case, but also thanks to hard work, personal talents and such qualities as benevolence, consistency, fairness or honesty. In his hierarchy, these values intertwined while always remaining at the same high level: family - noble nation - homeland understood as the Commonwealth, "home" of alI citizens governed by justice and equality.