"Weltschmerzes" is a German loanword that refers to a feeling of melancholy caused by the state of the world. Its spelling derives from the German words "Welt" meaning world, and "Schmerz" meaning pain. The pronunciation is [vɛltˈʃmɛɐ̯tsəs], with a hard "ch" sound as in "Bach" and the "es" at the end indicating a plural form. While not commonly used in English, "weltschmerzes" is a powerful word that expresses the existential angst that many people feel.
"Weltschmerz" is a German noun that translates to "world-weariness" in English. It refers to a sentimental feeling of melancholy and sadness that arises from one's perception of the world's imperfections and inadequacies, often accompanied by a sense of resignation or moral disillusionment.
This term originated during the Romantic era, particularly in the works of German writers such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Heinrich Heine. The underlying concept behind "weltschmerz" is the recognition that the world falls short of one's idealistic expectations, leading to a deep sense of dissatisfaction with society, human nature, and the overall human condition.
Common themes associated with "weltschmerz" are the conflict between dreams and reality, the fleeting nature of happiness, the awareness of suffering and injustices in the world, and the feeling of being disconnected or alienated from the world. It is often portrayed as an introspective and introspective inclination, where individuals contemplate the complexities and shortcomings of existence.
While experiencing "weltschmerz" can lead to a certain level of sorrow or despair, it is also seen as a source of inspiration for artistic expression and creativity. Many poets, writers, and artists have explored this sentiment and used it as a driving force for their works.
Overall, "weltschmerz" represents a profound emotional state characterized by a growing disillusionment with the imperfections of the world and the human condition, often leading to a sense of melancholy and dissatisfaction.
The word "weltschmerz" is derived from the German language. It is a compound word formed by combining "welt", meaning world, and "schmerz", meaning pain or sorrow. Together, "weltschmerz" can be translated as "world-pain" or "world-weariness". It was first used in the early 19th century by the German author Jean Paul, who popularized the term to express a profound sadness or melancholy resulting from one's awareness of the world's suffering and imperfections. It has since been adopted into English and other languages as a way to describe a similar sense of existential despair.