The Thomistic Institute A Feeble Plant in the Breeze: Personal and Social Forms of Acedia – Prof. Carl Vennerstrom
Nov 19, 2025
Prof. Carl Vennerstrom, a specialist in eastern patristic theology and monasticism, dives deep into the concept of acedia—often known as spiritual sloth. He discusses the existential nausea depicted in Sartre's work and contrasts it with insights from early Christian monastics in Egypt. Vennerstrom explores how Evagrius of Pontus described the eight principal demons that undermine virtue, the noonday demon's tactics, and how modern technology exacerbates feelings of acedia. He links this rampant modern vice to societal conditions, urging for a deeper understanding and remedy.
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Existential Nausea As A Mirror
- Jean-Paul Sartre's protagonist Antoine experiences existential nausea that makes ordinary objects and time repulsive.
- This literary example frames modern acedia as profound disgust with existence itself.
Evagrius Frames Acedia
- Evagrius of Pontus is the first to describe acedia in a monastic context and systematize temptations.
- His analysis gives a structured account useful for diagnosing contemporary melancholy.
Eight Demons, One Strategy
- Evagrius lists eight principal demons corresponding to vices: gluttony, lust, avarice, sadness, anger, acedia, vainglory, pride.
- These demons work via insinuated thoughts aiming to stop prayer and foster vice.
