Gilbert Keith Chesterton – A Leftist

Authors: Maciej Sobiech*

DOI: 10.23880/phij-16000175

Volume 4, Issue 2

Abstract

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 œrightist 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 aœleftist 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

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