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A.Word.A.Day--theomania

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.

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