This article intends to bring into focus the figure of Father Chmielowski who authored the first Polish Universal Encyclopedia commonly known as Nowe Ateny (New Athens). The biography depicts his deeply troubled life – highs and lows of his clerical career, his zest for research and finally his zeal in living a parish priest’s life to the fullest. What emerges from the sources scrutinized is a picture of a highly ambitious person endowed with an unusual humility, true vocation and a great deal of creative energy. The article summarizes the state of research on life and legacy of Benedict Chmielowski. Many data and conclusions (such as those referring to birthplace and family coat of arms) had to undergo verification and correction. The aim of the article was therefore to shed new light on this person, as well as to debunk some persisting stereotypes and misconception, thus drawing a picture of a man of flesh and blood.