quietism

[ kwahy-i-tiz-uhm ]

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.

quietism

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈquietist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• quiet·ist noun adjective
• quiet·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quietism¹

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

Example Sentences

At the very end of the book, Lieber applies this counsel of quietism to his own subject: “There is a system at work here. Why not treat the process of trying to beat it … as a family project that is actually fun?”

From New York Times

After 10 years in which Orbán’s grip on civil society has been relentlessly strengthened, Faludy says: “At best, the churches have chosen quietism rather than prophetic vocation.”

From The Guardian

At what point does ‘interaction’ turn into quietism?”

From Slate

To their children, this position seems like unforgivable quietism and complacency.

From The New Yorker

Because feckless but sweet peace-and-love quietism seldom makes going on a killing spree look like the obvious next step, equating the Manson “family” with hippies in general is obviously a fallacy.

From Los Angeles Times