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Hubris is exaggerated pride or self-confidence often resulting in retribution.
Hubris in ancient times
Hubris is a common theme in Greek tragedies and mythology, whose stories often featured protagonists suffering from hubris and subsequently being punished by the gods for it. In Greek law, it most often refers to drunken violence wreaked by aristocrats upon commoners. In poetry and mythology, the word carries the connotation of the perpetrator comparing him/herself as equal to or greater than a/the god/ess/es/s.
There was also a goddess called Hubris (or Hybris), the personification of the above concept, insolence, lack of restraint and instinct. She spent most of her time among mortals.
Greek and Roman mythological characters punished for their hubris:
Punishment for arrogance also appears in the Hebrew Bible:
- Adam and Eve are tempted to be like God and are expelled from the Garden of Eden.
- The Tower of Babel was erected to reach the sky.
Some ancient sayings
- Those whom the Gods would destroy they first make all powerful.
- Those whom the Gods would destroy they first make proud.
Hubris in modern times
While hubris in minor matters is not uncommon, it is particularly dangerous when present in those who control great power. Military organizations have long realized this and many take great care to build in organizational structures and procedural controls to limit its dangers. Such restraints are much looser in the fields of politics, religion, and commerce.
Modern examples of the consequenses of hubris are revealed by studies of recent and current events when measured against expected results earlier stated. In many such cases it is appears that modern hubris is rooted in feelings of cultural, racial, political, and/or economic superiority. Negative consequences of actions stemming from hubris appear to be associated with a lack of knowledge, interest in, and exploration of history, combined with overconfidence and a lack of humility.
See also:
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