Stasys Šalkauskis (1886–1941) was a Lithuanian philosopher, a pioneer and classic of modern Lithuanian philosophy, and the last rector of Vytautas Magnus University in independent Lithuania (1918–1940). He was an active contributor to the creation of the independent Lithuanian state, helping Lithuania to rethink and understand itself, discover its place, and embark on the path of a modern state. The philosopher’s reflections and the ideas he advanced remain relevant today.

Faith in God was important to Šalkauskis throughout his life. Although in his youth he had doubted the existence of God, he later made his decision and remained faithful to his faith – Catholicism – until the end of his life. Many of his activities were connected with Catholicism; he was a deeply religious and practising Catholic. In the interwar period, Lithuanian society was predominantly Catholic, and his ideas therefore resonated widely. Šalkauskis’ views were fundamental, as they formed the basis for his vision of fostering a modern, intellectual, and civic-minded society.

...philosophy fulfils a duty essentially connected with the higher side of human nature. It is said that the human being is animal rationale. This quality is perhaps most clearly revealed in the longing for truth that fills what might be called the finest part of human life. The human being naturally longs for truth, seeks to know it fully and desires to harmonise the whole of life with it. The restless human spirit, looking both at itself and at the world, never ceases to ask: why, from what, how and for what purpose? What can be known about these questions in the light of human reason is answered by philosophy, which seeks to gather truth into a consciously organised system.

Stasys Šalkauskis