CultureAugust 15, 2026
vitalist
VY-tuh-list
Definition
Relating to the philosophical belief that life is driven by an internal, non-physical force or energy that cannot be explained solely by mechanical or chemical processes.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'vita' (life), the term emerged in the 19th century to describe biological or philosophical theories positing that living organisms are fundamentally different from inanimate matter due to a unique life force.
In the news
In this article, the term describes a key aspect of Salarrué's philosophical outlook, which prioritized an inward-focused, intuitive consciousness over purely physical or material reality.
Salarrué: A Theosophical Artist in El Salvador
Read the full article ↗Bitter Winter