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Dionysian

adj. describing a state of mind that is irrational, sensuous, disordered, and even drunken or mad (from Dionysus, Greek god of wine, intoxication, and ritual madness or ecstasy). This modern use of the term was originated by Friedrich Nietzsche, who drew a contrast between the Dionysian and the Apollonian sides of human nature. He felt that a Dionysian attitude would counter the enervating effects of the Apollonian attitude then dominant in morality, religion, and philosophy.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

distractibility

distractibility

n. difficulty in maintaining attention or a tendency to be easily diverted from the matter at hand. Excessive distractibility is frequently found in children with learning disorders or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and in people experiencing manic or hypomanic episodes.