CultureSeptember 6, 2026

acedia

uh-SEE-dee-uh

Definition

A state of spiritual apathy, listlessness, or profound boredom that leads to the neglect of one's duties or purpose.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'akēdia', meaning 'lack of care' or 'heedlessness.' It was a term historically used by early Christian monastics to describe a soul-numbing spiritual lethargy.

In the news

The article uses acedia to describe Holden Caulfield's cynical detachment from the world and his tendency to avoid responsibility. It highlights this as a modern struggle for young people seeking to escape the complexities of life.

Learning from ‘Catcher in the Rye,’ 75 years later

Read the full article ↗

Aleteia EN

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