Ataraxia
23rd October 2024
In Ancient Greek philosophy, ataraxia (Greek: ????????, from ?- indicating negation or absence and ?????- tarach- ‘to disturb, trouble’ with the abstract noun suffix -??), generally translated as ‘unperturbedness’, ‘imperturbability’, ‘equanimity’, or ‘tranquility’, is a lucid state of robust equanimity characterized by ongoing freedom from distress and worry.
Sounds like a disease, doesn’t it? “Well, ma’am, you got a really bad case of ataraxia. I recommend watching MSNBC until you get over it.”
“Hey, John, come on over and watch the election/Superbowl/Rings of Power with us.”
“Nope. I’ve got ataraxia, and I need to isolate for a couple of weeks.”