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https://create.kahoot.it/details/1c3d392f-1993-475e-97d5-7d6bbb8e3530

Miłosz Stępień, Zuzanna Kasprowicz

HOST: Welcome back to History Unfiltered, where we expose the drama behind history’s biggest political failures! Today, we’re joined by Stanisław Staszic, Enlightenment thinker, writer, and critic of Poland’s political elite. Mr. Staszic, thanks for being here!

STASZIC: Thank you. Although, if we're discussing Poland’s government, I suspect I’ll need more than two minutes!

HOST: Let's start with King Stanisław August Poniatowski. He supported reforms and the arts, but Poland was still falling apart. What’s your problem with him?

STASZIC: My problem? Poland needed a strong, independent state, not just a cultured court! The king supported some reforms, yes, but the political system was dominated by powerful nobles who often cared more about their own privileges than the survival of their country.

HOST: So, basically, Poland was sinking while the political elite argued over who got the nicest cabin?

STASZIC: Precisely! The szlachta enjoyed enormous privileges, yet many resisted changes that could strengthen the nation. Their obsession with personal freedom and political power weakened the government. What good are noble privileges if there is no independent Poland left to protect them?

HOST: Ouch! That's a direct attack on the nobility. But wasn't the king trying to fix things, especially with the Constitution of May 3, 1791?

STASZIC: The Constitution was an important step toward reform, and I recognize its significance. But why did Poland have to come so close to disaster before its leaders acted? Reform came too late to overcome every internal weakness and the aggression of neighboring powers.

HOST: So, was the king the villain, or was the nobility the bigger problem?

STASZIC: The problem was a political system that allowed private interests to overpower the public good. The king bears responsibility for his decisions, but the privileged nobility must also answer for resisting necessary change. A nation cannot survive when its leaders put themselves before their country.

HOST: Final message to Poland’s political elite?

STASZIC: Stop protecting your privileges and start protecting your nation! A strong country needs education, responsible leadership, and laws that serve the people, not just the powerful.

HOST: And THAT is our episode of History Unfiltered! Turns out, political selfishness isn't exactly a modern invention. Thanks for listening and remember, history doesn't just repeat itself. Sometimes, it sends a warning!

Zuzanna Świderska

-Founded the Hrubieszów Agricultural Society (1816), which helped peasants through cooperation and shared resources.

-Supported the development of the University of Warsaw.

-Promoted scientific research, especially geology.

-Left much of his fortune to hospitals and schools.

Stanisław Staszic showed that religious values and Enlightenment ideals could coexist. He combined a background in Catholicism with reason, scientific curiosity and a strong commitment to improving people's lives.

https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanis%C5%82aw_Staszic

and Canva

Liwia Szymańska

Emilia Koper

Staszic believed that everyone should have access to education and knowledge. Today, this means teaching people about climate change, its causes, and its consequences. Schools should encourage students to think critically, understand environmental problems, and learn how to protect the planet.

2. Everyone has a responsibility

Staszic believed that citizens should work for the common good rather than focus only on themselves. Today, this means that everyone should take responsibility for the environment. People can save energy, reduce waste, recycle, and support environmentally friendly decisions. Governments and businesses also have a duty to protect nature.

3. Science creates a better future

Staszic valued science, technology, and innovation as tools for improving people's lives. In the modern world, scientific research can help fight climate change through renewable energy, electric transport, and new technologies that reduce pollution. Supporting scientific discoveries is an investment in future generations.

Mikołaj Kordys, Julia Stachowicz

Sources: Wikipedia