What is Quietism in Philosophy?
Quietism is a philosophical current that emerged in the XNUMXth century, mainly in France and Italy, and which proposes a way of life based on inner tranquility and passive acceptance of life's events. This philosophical current emphasizes the importance of freeing oneself from worldly concerns and unbridled passions, seeking peace of mind and serenity.
Origin and Influences of Quietism
Quietism had its origins in the thought of some philosophers and theologians, such as Miguel de Molinos, Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de la Motte-Guyon and François Fénelon. These thinkers were influenced by previous philosophical and religious currents, such as Stoicism, Neoplatonism and Christian mysticism.
Main Concepts of Quietism
In quietism, the search for inner tranquility is one of the main objectives. To do this, it is necessary to abandon worldly concerns and uncontrolled passions, seeking a life of contemplation and spiritual devotion. Passive acceptance of life events is seen as a way to free oneself from suffering and achieve peace of mind.
Passive Acceptance and Detachment
One of the central concepts of quietism is the passive acceptance of life events. This means that the individual must learn to accept life's circumstances without resistance or judgment, seeking to find inner peace even in the face of adversity. Furthermore, material and emotional detachment is also valued, as it allows the individual to free themselves from the worries and constraints of the material world.
Contemplation and Spiritual Devotion
Contemplation and spiritual devotion are fundamental practices in quietism. Through contemplation, the individual seeks connection with the divine and a deeper understanding of reality. Spiritual devotion, in turn, involves total surrender to God or the divine, seeking an intimate and personal relationship with the sacred.
Criticisms and Controversies
Quietism has faced various criticisms throughout history. Some philosophers and theologians considered this philosophical current as a form of escapism and passivity in the face of world problems. Furthermore, quietism was also the target of religious controversies, being considered heretical by some Christian currents.
Quietism and the Pursuit of Happiness
One of the main motivations for quietism is the search for happiness and inner peace. Through the renunciation of unbridled passions and the passive acceptance of life's events, the individual seeks to find serenity and fulfillment. For followers of quietism, true happiness lies in inner tranquility and connection with the divine.
Quietism and Eastern Philosophy
Quietism has some similarities with Eastern philosophy, especially Buddhism and Taoism. Both philosophical currents emphasize the importance of inner tranquility, detachment and acceptance of life events. However, it is important to emphasize that quietism has its own specific characteristics and influences.
Quietism and Ethics
The ethics of quietism are related to the search for inner tranquility and the passive acceptance of life events. In this sense, quietist ethics are not so much concerned with external actions, but rather with the individual's state of mind. Morality is intrinsically linked to the search for inner peace and connection with the divine.
Quietism and Religion
Quietism has strong religious influences, especially Christianity. Many of the quietist thinkers were theologians and sought to reconcile philosophy with religion. For them, the search for inner tranquility and connection with the divine was fundamental to spiritual life and salvation.
Quietism in Today
Quietism still has followers today, although in smaller numbers. Many people seek inner tranquility and peace of mind through the practices and concepts of quietism. However, it is important to highlight that this philosophical current is not widely disseminated and faces criticism and controversy.
Conclusion
In short, quietism is a philosophical current that proposes a way of life based on inner tranquility and passive acceptance of life's events. This current emphasizes the importance of freeing oneself from worldly concerns and unbridled passions, seeking peace of mind and serenity. Despite criticism and controversy, quietism still has followers today, who seek happiness and inner peace through its practices and concepts.
