Apathy is the complete lack of emotion or motivation. Apathy can be about a person, activity, or object. It is a common reaction to stress where it manifests as learned helplessness and is commonly associated with depression. It can also reflect a non-pathological disinterest in things one does not consider important. Apathy does not however indicate laziness, in any way. Certain drugs are known to cause apathy.

Some people see ascetics and saints as attaining apathy in some level, although this view is debated by theologians, who usually prefer to call it detachment.

See also

• Psychology
• Senioritis