Sunday, February 22, 2009

Hubris

Is hubris really dangerous or just an entertaining or annoying personal and social phenomenon?
What are the characteristics of hubris? Blindness, self-absorption, arrogance just to name a few.

It is more annoying when it is limited to the personal sphere. However, when it is expressed in a professional or political medium it can be dangerous. Since it is blind, it does not know that it is headed in the wrong direction. Since it is self-absorbed, it is fundamentally interested only in personal advantages. Since it is arrogant, it will not listen, or at least not understand, alternate opinions or critiques.

When hubris is fully expressed in a major leadership role it may result in failed companies, countries or other types of demoralization.

No comments: