otium
it's been a great week for so many reasons, one of which i've learned several new words! you'll see them here, but first--my favorite: otium. this is so me! otium is an ancient latin term for dedicated free time or restorative leisure used for intellectual growth, contemplation, and self-improvement. not the same as laziness, this concept is rather a purposeful, virtuous activity that enriched the mind and spirit. in ancient rome, otium was the necessary balance when a person stepped away from their important business, work, and public duty to focus on philosophy, art, and writing! used in this popular phrase coined by cicero, otium cum dignitate , it means leisure with dignity, referring to a peaceful, productive private life. in the medieval period, the word otium came to be used primarily to indicate peace of mind--a leisure that is internal more than an external circumstance. petrarch, writing in the 13th centure, says otium is ideally spent...
