Hubris, derived from Greek mythology, referred to excessive pride, arrogance, or defiance towards the gods. This notion extended beyond mythology and became a pervasive theme in various ancient civilizations, including Greek, Roman, and Mesopotamian societies. Examining the concept of hubris in ancient times can indeed offer valuable insights into inauthentic behaviours, false values, and dysfunctional attitudes, particularly when viewed through the lens of the concept of false consciousness.

The concept of hubris suggests a lack of authenticity, as individuals exhibiting such behaviour may be disconnected from reality or blinded by their false beliefs. Authenticity involves self-awareness, acknowledging one’s limitations, and aligning personal values with a broader understanding of the human condition.

In ancient Greek mythology, the gods were seen as the ultimate arbiters of justice and order. Hubris, therefore, involved a transgression against the natural order or a violation of the boundaries set by the divine. Mortals who exhibited hubris were believed to be challenging the gods’ authority, inviting punishment, and upsetting the cosmic balance. The tale of Icarus, who dared to fly too close to the sun, serves as a cautionary example. His disobedience towards the gods led to his tragic downfall, reinforcing the idea that mortals should not overstep their boundaries.

Manifestation of hubris like arrogance and overconfidence were evident in the plays of ancient Greek playwrights such as Sophocles and Aeschylus. In Sophocles’ play “Antigone,” Creon, the commanding king of Thebes, displayed an unwavering pride manifested in his decrees, most notably his prohibition of the burial of Polyneices, contrary to both divine and moral laws. His adamant stance against honoring Polyneices, despite the counsel of his son Haemon and the wisdom of the prophet Tiresias, highlighted a hubristic refusal to reconsider his own authority. This prideful insistence on maintaining his decree ultimately set in motion a tragic chain of events that brought calamity upon Creon’s own household.

In ancient Rome, hubris was intertwined with the concept of “virtus” – the set of virtues encompassing courage, wisdom, and humility. Romans valued a balanced and harmonious life, and excessive pride was seen as a disruption to this equilibrium. The story of Julius Caesar, whose ambition and pride led to his assassination, highlights the Roman aversion to unchecked power and hubris. The Roman Republic was wary of any individual amassing too much influence, as it could disrupt the delicate balance of power and lead to societal downfall.

In Mesopotamia, hubris was reflected in the wisdom literature of civilizations like Sumer and Babylon. In the epic poem “Gilgamesh,” the hubris of the eponymous hero, Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, is a powerful and mighty ruler, but his arrogance stems from his belief that he is invincible and beyond the reach of mortality.

One notable instance of Gilgamesh’s hubris is his mistreatment of the people of Uruk. The epic describes him as a king who exercises his right to sleep with brides on their wedding night, effectively depriving the newlyweds of their marital happiness. This abuse of power reflects Gilgamesh’s sense of entitlement and disregard for the well-being of his subjects.

Another manifestation of Gilgamesh’s hubris is his rejection of the goddess Ishtar’s romantic advances. This act not only displays Gilgamesh’s arrogance but also his lack of reverence for divine entities.

However, the most significant and tragic aspect of Gilgamesh’s hubris is his quest for immortality. Faced with the inevitability of death, Gilgamesh becomes consumed by the desire for eternal life. His arrogance leads him to believe that he can challenge the natural order and cheat death. This quest takes him on a perilous journey, and in the end, he fails to achieve immortality.

The gods, displeased with his arrogance, ultimately intervene to teach him humility. The death of his friend Enkidu and the failure of his quest for immortality force Gilgamesh to confront his own mortality and reconsider his place in the grand scheme of life.

The relevance of hubris in the modern world

While the concept of hubris finds its roots in ancient mythologies and cultures, its relevance echoes through the corridors of time, offering poignant insights into the dynamics of human behaviour. In today’s modern society, where advancements in technology and shifts in societal structures dominate the landscape, the age-old warning against excessive pride and arrogance remains remarkably pertinent.

In the 21st century, the rapid advancements in technology and the proliferation of social media platforms have given rise to a culture where individual achievements and opinions are broadcasted on a global stage. This interconnectedness has, in some instances, fuelled a sense of invincibility and entitlement among individuals.

The phenomenon of individuals, particularly in positions of power, exhibiting hubris is observable in fields ranging from politics and business to the realm of celebrity. The illusion of omnipotence and an unrestricted sense of self-importance can blind them to the potential consequences of their actions, paralleling the ancient warnings against hubris.

In the corporate world, hubris can manifest in organizations adopting an arrogant disregard for ethical considerations or environmental sustainability. The pursuit of profit at the expense of ethical conduct can lead to corporate scandals, environmental degradation, and social inequality.

For instance, Enron Corporation, once considered a leading energy company, collapsed in 2001 due to a massive accounting fraud that involved hiding debt off the company’s balance sheet. The company’s leadership, including its executives and top management, engaged in deceptive accounting practices to maintain an appearance of financial health and boost stock prices. This hubristic decision-making not only led to the downfall of one of the largest corporations at the time but also had far-reaching consequences for employees, investors, and the broader financial system. The Enron scandal resulted in significant job losses, financial losses for investors, and heightened scrutiny of corporate governance practices and financial regulations.

In the realm of politics, leaders who succumb to hubris may overreach their authority, jeopardizing democratic principles and international relations. The belief that a nation or leader is exempt from the rules governing global cooperation can lead to diplomatic tensions, conflicts, and geopolitical instability. The lessons from history, where political hubris has triggered catastrophic events, remain salient as the world navigates contemporary challenges.

Unmasking hubris

Recognizing hubris requires a nuanced understanding of behaviors, language, and attitudes indicating an inflated sense of entitlement, egotism, and arrogance. It’s important to note that hubris, while sharing similarities with narcissism, goes beyond by encompassing traits such as ignorance, inflexibility, indulgence, or imposing unnecessary restrictions.

Hubris often reveals itself through the language. Excessive self-praise, a constant need to one-up others, or a dismissive tone towards differing opinions can be indicative of an inflated ego. The language of hubris is also marked by a reluctance to acknowledge the contributions of others and a persistent desire to assert dominance in conversations.

Individuals characterized by hubris often perceive any form of dissent as a threat to their perceived superiority. True wisdom lies in the ability to embrace feedback and adapt, but hubris blinds individuals to the value of humility and self-improvement.

Individuals consumed by their own sense of importance, a hallmark of hubris, often find it challenging to authentically grasp or value the perspectives and emotions of others. Acts of disregard for the feelings and needs of those around them serve as tangible manifestations of a pervasive sense of superiority that erodes the foundation of meaningful relationships.

Grandiose ambitions that exceed realistic boundaries are signs of hubris. While ambition is a driving force for progress, an inflated sense of self can lead to unrealistic expectations and a disregard for the potential consequences of one’s actions.

Egotism, the excessive preoccupation for one’s own needs, desires, achievements, and opinions to the detriment of recognizing or valuing the perspectives and needs of others is also a form of hubris. Egotistic individuals may seek constant validation, prioritize personal interests over other’s well-being, and have difficulty empathizing with others.

Ignorance can be associated with hubris when individuals exhibit a stubborn disregard for facts, information, or the expertise of others. In the modern context, this type of hubris is often observed in the refusal to acknowledge a holistic perspective, denial of societal issues, or a rejection of well-established knowledge. Ignorant hubris can have far-reaching consequences, impeding progress, exacerbating problems, and hindering the collective pursuit of solutions.

Modern hubris can also manifest as rigidity when individuals or institutions obstinately adhere to established practices or beliefs, resisting adaptability and change. This inflexibility often leads to missed opportunities for innovation and growth.

Concluding remarks

Ignoring or tolerating hubris perpetuates a toxic culture.  Confronting hubris, whether within ourselves or others, is vital for fostering healthy human interactions. Addressing hubris is not only about personal growth, but also a commitment to a global community that values empathy, cooperation, and genuine connection.