mikhail epstein's definitions
polypath n. ( Gr. polys, much, many + patheia, suffering) Ð a person with multiple disorders, such as neuropathy, myopathy, sociopathy, chronopathy, etc.
by Mikhail Epstein November 13, 2003
Get the polypath mug.bespite of conj (blend of "because of" and "in spite of" - a condensed form of the expression "because of, or perhaps in spite of."
This work, when done and published, will be met with keen interest by scholars and general public alike, bespite of its controversial nature.
Bespite of the intensity of the debate, there has been considerable advancement in our understanding of this global trend.
Bespite of the expectation of Truman's impending loss, Democrats turned out, and by means of an "underdog effect" assured Truman's victory.
Bespite of the intensity of the debate, there has been considerable advancement in our understanding of this global trend.
Bespite of the expectation of Truman's impending loss, Democrats turned out, and by means of an "underdog effect" assured Truman's victory.
by Mikhail Epstein November 14, 2003
Get the bespite of (conjunction) mug.videocracy n. (from Latin video, I see + Latin cratia, from Greek kratos, power, rule; cf. ideocracy) Ð the power of visual images in shaping contemporary societies; the crucial impact of television, cinema, internet, and advertising on public opinion, political affairs, market strategies, etc.
by Mikhail Epstein November 14, 2003
Get the videocracy mug.ghostalgia n. (ghost + Gr. algos, pain, grief, distress; cf. nostalgia) Ð a mystical longing or wistful affection for ghosts, angels, miracles, aliens, and other otherworldy characters and mysterious phenomena.
Ghostalgia is a form of nostalgia in that we experience the other world as our genuine lost home.
I am agnostic, but sometimes I feel ghostalgic.
On the eve of deep historical crises, ghostalgia can grip the souls of entire nations.
I am agnostic, but sometimes I feel ghostalgic.
On the eve of deep historical crises, ghostalgia can grip the souls of entire nations.
by Mikhail Epstein November 15, 2003
Get the ghostalgia mug.infopause n. (information + pause)
staying away from computers, newspapers and other sources of information in order to recover from informational stress.
staying away from computers, newspapers and other sources of information in order to recover from informational stress.
The infopause may take from several minutes to several months, depending on the gravity of the initial affliction.
Every business should introduce at least two five-minute infopauses during the working day. All computers and all lights are off. This will refresh employees' ability to process new information.
Every business should introduce at least two five-minute infopauses during the working day. All computers and all lights are off. This will refresh employees' ability to process new information.
by Mikhail Epstein November 15, 2003
Get the infopause n. (information + pause) mug.gnawledge n. (word-portmanteau: gnaw + suffix ledge; cf. knowledge) mechanical knowledge that is obtained by "gnawing" facts rather than conceptually interpreting them.
by Mikhail Epstein November 15, 2003
Get the gnawledge mug.amort n. (Lat. amor, love + Lat. mort, death)
the double instinct of love and death; the ambivalent combination of Eros and Thanatos or the transformation of one into another; a cruel and (self)destructive passion that leads to the ruin of the loved or the lover.
the double instinct of love and death; the ambivalent combination of Eros and Thanatos or the transformation of one into another; a cruel and (self)destructive passion that leads to the ruin of the loved or the lover.
Amort is the most common theme of European literature, from Tristan and Isolde to The Ballad of Reading Gaol:
And all men kill the thing they love,
By all let this be heard,
Some do it with a bitter look,
Some with a flattering word,
The coward does it with a kiss,
The brave man with a sword!
And all men kill the thing they love,
By all let this be heard,
Some do it with a bitter look,
Some with a flattering word,
The coward does it with a kiss,
The brave man with a sword!
by Mikhail Epstein November 15, 2003
Get the amort (amor + mort) mug.