quietism

American  

[kwahy-i-tiz-uhm] / ˈkwaɪ ɪˌtɪz əm /

noun

1. a form of religious mysticism taught by Molinos, a Spanish priest, in the latter part of the 17th century, requiring extinction of the will, withdrawal from worldly interests, and passive meditation on God and divine things; Molinism.

2. some similar form of religious mysticism.

3. mental or bodily repose or passivity.

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quietism British  

/ ˈkwaɪəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. a form of religious mysticism originating in Spain in the late 17th century, requiring withdrawal of the spirit from all human effort and complete passivity to God's will

2. a state of passivity and calmness of mind towards external events

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Other Word Forms

• quietist noun
• quietistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of quietism

First recorded in 1680–90, quietism is from the Italian word quietismo originally, prayer in a state of quietude. See quiet, -ism

Example Sentences

Yet what he evokes even more keeningly is a rage he finds almost welcome in a land known for its quietism and restraint.

From New York Times • Dec. 26, 2017

Diana was more aggressive, the clamorous defender of quietism.

From The New Yorker • May 22, 2017

Dystopian movies like Snowpiercer risk doing more to inspire quietism than necessary action.

From Slate • Sep. 17, 2014

Ames represented a certain "quietism" that was little represented – indeed, it was paradoxical to have him as the narrator of a bestselling novel, as he would flinch from advertising his faith.

From The Guardian • May 18, 2012

The people responded by withdrawal into political quietism and/or private vices.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro