The present communication highlights the contribution by Evagrius Ponticus to the etiologic understanding of acedia, a condition that’s similar to both modern melancholy and contemporary depression. The concept of acedia is illustrated by means of some elements of the Freudian notions of melancholy and of self-discrepancy about depression, especially regarding the role of the ideal of the ego in the etiopathogenic dynamism. In this context, we show the historical importance of Evagrius’ contribution as it anticipates subsequent psychological and psychopathological approaches and integrates an etiologic understanding of this psychic disturbance and its possible therapy into a spiritual perspective.
Acedia; depression; ideal ego; ideal of perfection