Hubris is a pretty basic term when you're reading about the ancient Greeks and especially their tragedy. I chose it today because a Google alert notified me that there was a blog on homeland security that linked to my definition. The blog post is called "No rush to judgment here" saying, basically, that it's hubris to rush to judgment. The author writes:
" In those ancient days when we earnestly endeavored to teach good judgment, we learned that hubris - trying to control what is beyond our control - is the tripwire for tragedy. Toward the end of his life Robert McNamara wrote, "...it's beyond the ability of the human mind to comprehend. Our judgment, our understanding, are not adequate." This is the beginning of wisdom. "Read my definition of hubris.
Comments
Hubris or divine retribution thereof being a trait associated with Nemesis?
I have always loved the word “hubris”, especially when it’s used to describe Julius Caesar. However, though a lot of people do, I rarely use it in a modern sense because I think it dilutes its potency.