This study deals with reforms by Josef II, in particular with the abolition of the monasteries as recorded in contemporary sources supporting the reforms being carried out. The author selects some significant themes treated by the proponents of reform. The main theme is the criterion of human nature. Related themes include: monks’ asceticism, celibacy, monasteries as the quintessence of baroque piety, and mendicant orders., Petr Hasan., and Obsahuje bibliografické odkazy