This 1978 letter by Ladislav Hejdánek explores the relationship between philosophy and politics, specifically whether a philosopher can engage in political life while maintaining their philosophical identity. Hejdánek critically examines the concept of enlightened absolutism, dismissing it as a practical impossibility due to the corrupting nature of power and the lack of ideal rulers. Instead, he defends democracy as a necessary system for the rotation of power and the prevention of institutional alienation. The author distinguishes between the role of the politician, who must rely on compromise, and the philosopher, whose primary task is critical reflection and maintaining a distance from direct governance. Philosophy should not transform into ideology or utopia; rather, it must act as a corrective force that analyzes political practice and protects the integrity of the individual. Ultimately, Hejdánek argues that philosophy must remain in tension with politics, ensuring that the legitimacy of power is effectively limited and subjected to intellectual scrutiny.