MANICHEIST Meaning and
Definition
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Manicheist, noun: A term derived from the word "Manichaeism," referring to a dualistic religious philosophy founded by the prophet Mani in the third century AD. A Manicheist is an adherent or follower of Manichaeism, a religious doctrine that embodies a radical dualism between good and evil, light and darkness, spirit and matter.
The term "Manicheist" is often used in a metaphorical context to describe a person who adheres rigidly to a black-and-white worldview, emphasizing clear divisions and dichotomies, often to the detriment of more nuanced or complex perspectives. In this sense, a Manicheist is viewed as someone who sees the world in absolute terms, lacking shades of grey or acknowledging multiple dimensions.
Commonly associated with extremism and intolerance, a Manicheist tends to perceive everything in terms of pure good or pure evil, either supporting one side fervently or condemning the other completely. This term is particularly applied in political and religious discussions where individuals display an unwavering devotion to their partisan beliefs, unwilling to consider alternative viewpoints or engage in compromise.
To characterize someone as a Manicheist suggests an inclination towards simplistic binary thinking, dismissing nuances, and rejecting the idea of finding common ground. It implies a rigidity in worldview that may hinder cooperation, open-mindedness, and the pursuit of empathetic understanding.
In summary, a Manicheist denotes an individual who subscribes to a dualistic philosophy or exhibits an inflexible attitude that reduces complex issues, ideas, or events to starkly opposing extremes.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MANICHEIST
Etymology of MANICHEIST
The word "Manicheist" is derived from the term "Manicheism", which refers to the ancient religious and philosophical system developed by the Persian prophet Mani in the 3rd century AD. Mani combined elements from various religions such as Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Gnosticism to create his own doctrine. The term "Manicheism" comes from Mani's own name, and it is believed to have been coined by his followers or opponents during his lifetime. The word "Manicheist" is consequently formed by adding the suffix "-ist", which denotes a follower or adherent of a particular belief system, to "Manicheism". Thus, a "Manicheist" is someone who follows or practices Manicheism.
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