The word "passive" is rarely used. Somehow it was unpleasant and did not take root in the Russian language, therefore it is more often replaced by synonyms and in the broad sense refers to the quality of a person’s personality. Everyone knows what passive is, but not everyone knows where this word is applied.
The evolution of passivity
What feelings does a passive person evoke? Contempt, annoyance, pity, desire to shake well and ask, is such a life suitable for him?
But if we consider the origin of the concept of “passive”, the synonyms of this word in the past had a slightly different meaning. Adjective formed by:
- Latin passivus, meaning "receptive, passive";
- Latin pati, which translates as "endure, suffer, suffer";
- Pra-Indo-European pei - “to hurt, to hurt”.
Previously, all these words most likely referred to saints and martyrs, but over time they began to call passive people who were inert, weak-willed, uninitiated, incapable of doing anything, in general, all those who would not be taken into intelligence.
The famous scientist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said: “Passivity is half of human existence,” and he, as a researcher of evolution, knows this best of all. Today, “passive” is a common word and refers to everyone who is unlikely to face a raise or an increase in salary, to become a leader, to conquer, win or conquer.
Interestingly, passive people are unlikely to suffer and suffer, but live quietly in their own little world, annoying others with their indifference and amorphism.
Being passive is convenient!
A rolling stone gathers no moss. If weak inert people prevailed in the world, we would still remain in the Stone Age without thinking about what is passive, and we would consider it the norm of life.
Being indifferent and inactive is very convenient. Behind a person’s passivity is a reluctance to take responsibility, care, and solve problems. Such people often lead an addictive lifestyle, sitting on the neck of those who pull the yoke for them. And they don’t even try to justify themselves, because they are indifferent to everything that does not concern them.
There are lots of recommendations on how to defeat passivity and change your behavior. The best of them is to take action. However, this also requires a certain willpower and a desire to change your life.
Now let's talk about more pleasant things, such as, for example, passive income.
"Passive": little-known meanings of the word
Deposits have existed since the founding of banks, however, what passive income is, many have learned only with the advent of numerous investment companies and the legislatively permitted rental of apartments.
In the modern world, the concept of “passive” is applicable to many areas of human life:
- Passive smoker. Man forced to inhale tobacco products.
- Passive house (eco house ). A specially designed construction that does not need traditional energy-intensive heating methods.
- Passive antenna. A device for receiving a TV signal without using an adapter and power supply.
- Passive car safety. The combination of technical and operational features of the vehicle, which serve to reduce the consequences of an accident.
- Passive tourism. Types of recreation, excluding frequent movements and physical activity.
To summarize: any actions that do not require effort can be called passive. When it comes to technology and equipment, the word takes on a positive meaning. And if you keep in mind people, it’s worth considering that such passive individuals still deserve compassion. The world is arranged in such a way that there is a place in it, both leading and led.