← Glossary
Apotrepsis (Greek: ἀποτρέψις, from apo = away and trepein = to turn) denotes the ethical movement of turning away from whatever weakens or corrupts the soul. It is the counterpart to protrepsis and, together with it, forms the complete Stoic ethics programme. Unlike passive abstention, apotrepsis requires active vigilance and deliberate choice, since the Stoics recognised that vices become entrenched through gradual repetition rather than dramatic incursions. The practice demands constant watchfulness toward the early beginnings of bad habits.