The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution by Alex Storozynski

 This biography of Thaddeus Kosciuszko brings a humble human being who became hero on both continents, North America and Europe.

Thaddeus (1746-1817) was born in Brest region, which then was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, now it’s part of Belarus. His parents were landowners with a mid-size estate.

The father taught his children to be respectful toward all people, no matter what social class they represented. They believed that all people were entitled to hope and happiness. He treated the peasants fairly and rewarded them fairly for their work. He taught all those values to all his children, and Tadeusz took his father’s teachings to heart.

Thaddeus was eighteen, when he received scholarship to attend the Royal Knight School led by Prince Adam Casimir Czartoryski in Warsaw. The Prince also became Thaddeus’ mentor.

He continued his studies in Paris, where he gained valuable knowledge, which helped him to better understand economics and military matters.

At the same time, the colonists in America were fighting against England, fighting for their independence. He decided to enlist and help the American colonists.

The range of defenses that he set up at Bemis Heights, located at Hudson River south of Saratoga led to a successful Battle of Saratoga.

The next successful fortification, he set up was at West Point, where he suggested to create an American military academy resembling the ones in Europe. And that’s what Thomas Jefferson did in 1802.

His success didn’t extend to Poland, which went through three partitions done by the powerful neighbors: Prussia, Austria, and Russia. In 1795, Poland was wiped off the map for 123 years, which pained Kosciuszko greatly. He took part in many uprisings, fighting for independence of his country to the end of his life.

Thaddeus was a very humble human being. He was way ahead of his time, advocating for Polish serfs in hope the rest of the Europe would follow, and for the American slaves. He was a hero of both worlds, advocating on both continents for equality for all. He stressed importance of not only freeing slaves and serfs, but also providing education in training, giving people skills so they could support themselves.

When the news of his death spread throughout Europe, funeral masses were held in many churches of different faiths.

The story reflects the most humble character. With heartfelt writing, the author sheds light on American and Polish hero, who is well known to Poles. A hero, who to the last days of his life encouraged young cadets to gain valuable knowledge and always serve their country and defend it.

When there was bickering between American generals, Thad wrote to General Gates, “I declare sincerely that I am susceptible and love peace. I would choose rather to leave all, return home and plant cabbages.”

Published in 2009 by Thomas Dunne Books

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Be Humble

Traits:

·         He respected all no matter what status

·         He was fair

·         He gained valuable knowledge and used it to benefit others

·         He stood up for freedom and independence

·         He advocated for humanity

·         He stood up for equality for all

·         He gave people tools, so they could better themselves

·         He remained humble

 

"The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering." - Bruce Lee