ISSN: 2641-9130
Authors: Maciej Sobiech*
The aim of this paper is to present Gilbert Keith Chesterton as, politically, man of the Left rather than Right – and thus at least open a debate about the possible re-interpretation of his political heritage as a publicist. Firstly, the subject is generally introduced, with the characteristically “rightist†tendencies of chestertonology (and one votum separatum) outlined. Secondly, the right wing-left wing differentiation is briefly explained, basing on Letter on Independence by Jacques Maritain. Thirdly, Chesterton’s political writings are examined according to the logical structure provided by the Letter… that is: in reference to personal temperament, general political ideas and the practical elements of political program, with the attempt of demonstrating that Chesterton, in all these three areas, displayed a distinct leaning towards the Left, with even the most right-winged elements of his political ideas being interpreted by him, in fact, in a “leftist†context. The text ends with a set of more practical conclusions, concerned chiefly with the future of chestertonological research.
Keywords: Gilbert Keith Chesterton; The Right; The Left; Jacques Maritain; Distributism; Letter on Independence; Originality; Rousseauism
