EN
The aim of this article is to reflect on the unusual and extraordinary character of the August 1980 strike in Poland. The eighteen days of strike have profoundly influenced the history of Poland, of Europe and of the world. All the strike participants and many journalists and researchers stress that historic dimension. People who have not got a chance to witness that historic event may not understand its uniqueness. It cannot be fully explained in rational categories. Some journalists describe 'Solidarity' as a 'miracle'. This article tries to explain the extraordinary character of the August 1980 strike by analysing its ideas and values.