I first came across the word Cacoethes while reading The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac. Rheinhold Cacoethes was the fictional name of one of his real life friends described in the book.

I just thought it sounded cool.

But the actual meaning behind it. An irresistible urge, or a mania. The etymology of the word, coming from words meaning a deficiency of character and other such things, resonated with me.

Then there is the Latin phrase “Cacoethes scribendi” meaning an insatiable desire to write.

They all seemed to fit.

I’m writing here to fix myself. To reorder my mind and my life. If no one reads it but myself, my mission is accomplished. If others find this blog and resonate, all the better.

-Cacoethes

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