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How old is boredom? Friends and colleagues in humanities argue that it’s a relatively recent (> 18th century) phenomenon. But consider Evagrius’ Praktikos, a text from the 4th century. The description of acedia there sounds a lot like our boredom. 6 similarities + 2 thoughts
#1 “Acedia” means “lack of care.” This term also captures much of goes on when we (today) experience boredom. When we are bored, our situation strikes us as meaningless and we don’t care about it.
#2 Acedia transforms our experience of the passage of time. Boredom does that too. Btw, Evagrius writes that acedia makes the day seem like it is 50 hours long! (πεντηκοντάωρον τὴν ἡμέραν δεικνύς)
#3 Acedia, Evagrius says, makes monks search for their friends (brothers). Doesn’t boredom make us seek out our (real or virtual) friends?
#4 Because of acedia, monks come to despise their tasks, place, and even their lives. Boredom can have the same effect.
#4 Because of acedia, monks come to despise their tasks, place, and even their lives. Boredom can have the same effect.
#5 Acedia yields a desire for a different place—a place where one can find what one wants. Boredom also contains such a desire.
#6 Acedia moves one to leave one’s task or place behind. Boredom carries a similar effect.
#6 Acedia moves one to leave one’s task or place behind. Boredom carries a similar effect.
Thought 1: It is interesting that for Evagrius acedia envelops the soul and “suffocates” (ἐναποπνίγειν) the mind. This sounds severe, more severe than ordinary, situational boredom. But aren’t there cases in which boredom messes up with our mind and greatly affects us?
Thought 2: Evagrius does say one thing that sounds curious. Acedia, he writes, can amplify our hatred of things that have caused us grief. Does boredom do that? I don't know
