Debicki Michal Wladyslaw Rev. - Philosophy of Nothingness. On the essence of Buddhism [Warsaw 1896].

Dębicki Michał Władysław Rev / Philosophy of Nothingness. The thing about the essence of Buddhism / Warsaw 1896 / Gebethner and Wolff / half canvas bookbinding; on the spine a signboard with a gilded title; pasted original publisher's cover / pp. 108 / very good condition; some minor soiling here and there

One of the sharpest Polish studies devoted to Buddhism, written from a Catholic position. Rev. Wladyslaw Michal Debicki shows Buddhism not as an exotic curiosity, but as a system of thought deeply contradictory to Christianity and at the same time - in his opinion - "ridiculous as a theory, and morally and socially deadly." The author passionately polemics against the growing interest in Europe in the "philosophy of nothingness," denouncing its nihilistic character and destructive impact on Western civilization.

The book traces the origins and development of the Buddha's teachings, describes its metaphysics and ethics, while mercilessly exposing its weaknesses. It is not only a work of religious studies, but above all a polemical one - a testimony to the sharp reaction of a Catholic thinker to the "neo-Buddhist" fad in Europe of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.