Working for Reform: Acedia, Benedict of Aniane and the Transformation of Working Culture in Carolingian Monasticism
James B. Williams
An increase in wealth and aristocratic oblates monasteries of the Carolingian period led to a number conflicts over nature monasticism obligations monks. Integral this debate was perception that monks suffered from too much leisure time or vice known as acedia. As result, reformers, including most prominently Benedict Aniane, sought address problem through administrative legislative measures concerned with monastic work labor. Although these reformers met stiff resistance some brothers, evidence suggests culture changed. This essay argues an examination reforms context vices provides new framework for understanding problematic history.