Hubris: Definition and Meaning
Hubris is extreme or excessive pride, overconfidence, or arrogance that often leads a person to overstep boundaries or ignore warnings, resulting in negative consequences or downfall
. The term originates from the Ancient Greek word hybris , which referred to insolence or outrage, especially acts that violated social or moral codes, or even defied the gods
Key Aspects of Hubris
- Excessive Pride or Confidence: Hubris involves an inflated sense of self-importance or ability, often blinding a person to risks or the advice of others
- Disregard for Limits: It typically manifests when someone overestimates their capabilities and ignores boundaries-whether moral, social, or practical
- Downfall or Ruin: In literature and life, hubris frequently leads to failure, humiliation, or disaster, as the person's arrogance causes them to make poor decisions or provoke retribution
- Historical and Literary Roots: In Greek tragedy, hubris was seen as a tragic flaw that brought about the protagonist's ruin. Classic examples include Icarus flying too close to the sun or Macbeth's overconfidence leading to his destruction
Modern Usage
Today, hubris describes any situation where pride or overconfidence leads to mistakes, failure, or loss-whether in personal life, business, or leadership
. It is sometimes called "pride that blinds," as it causes individuals to act against common sense or good judgment
Summary Table
Aspect| Description
---|---
Origin| Ancient Greek (hybris), meaning insolence or excessive pride
Core Meaning| Extreme pride, arrogance, or overconfidence
Consequences| Downfall, failure, or humiliation
Literary Example| Icarus, Macbeth, Captain Ahab
Modern Usage| Overconfidence leading to mistakes or ruin in real life and
fiction
In essence, hubris is the kind of pride or arrogance that blinds people to reality, often bringing about their own undoing
