In an interview with 'Rzeczpospolita', Włodzimierz Czarzasty discusses how contemporary leftist values have evolved not merely from the 19th-century movements but are deeply embedded in Enlightenment ideals. He references the work of Polish Enlightenment thinker Stanisław Staszic, who declared that 'equality, freedom, and property are the most necessary and straightforward conclusions from human rights,' framing these principles as foundational for the Polish left's political agenda. Furthermore, Czarzasty draws on Stanisław Brzozowski's critiques of dogmatism in early 20th century Poland, highlighting the need for culture, ethics, and individual autonomy in addressing societal issues, which Brzozowski claimed cannot be truly objective or beyond human control.

Czarzasty stresses the importance of personal agency in societal transformation, rejecting the notion that change occurs automatically through historical forces. He asserts that today’s left-wing, including the New Left, embraces a practical approach to social democracy, focusing on active participation and conscious contributions of individuals to societal change. This perspective underlines the belief that democratic and socialist values are not just historical remnants but live through the actions and decisions made by people in their everyday lives.

This call for a return to the roots of social democracy not only aims to reaffirm the importance of progressive values but also serves as a rallying cry for leftist movements in Poland, encouraging citizens to engage actively in shaping both their communities and broader society. With the upcoming elections and a shifting political landscape, Czarzasty's reflections may play a pivotal role in energizing the left's base and redefining its objectives in contemporary Polish politics.