Wordsmith.org: the magic of words


A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact  


Home

Today's Word

Yesterday's Word

Archives

FAQ


Discuss
Email this
Feedback
RSS/XML
Permalink

A.Word.A.Day--theomania

Pronunciation Sound Clip RealAudio

This week's theme: fear and desire.

theomania (thee-o-MAY-nee-uh, -MAIN-yuh) noun

The belief that one is God or specially chosen by God on a mission.

[From Greek theos (god) + -mania (excessive enthusiasm or craze).]

This mania often strikes rulers of nations and is highly recommended when planning to attack other nations. It soothes conscience, clears the path, and removes all doubts. After all, if one is channeling God, why worry about rules and conventions of mere humans?

-Anu Garg (garg AT wordsmith.org)

"[Chaitanya] was totally given to theomania, which caused Him to chant and dance in ecstasy." Steven J. Rosen; The Hidden Glory of India; Bhaktivedanta Book Trust; 2002.

X-Bonus

Not ignorance, but ignorance of ignorance, is the death of knowledge. -Alfred North Whitehead, mathematician and philosopher (1861-1947)

We need your help

Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere

Donate

Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise

© 1994-2024 Wordsmith