September 12, 2008 2:07 PM
Hubris - a definition
After Charles Gibson's grilling/prosecution of Palin last night, in which he accused her of hubris, a couple readers have mentioned having to check a dictionary to find the meaning of the word.
And for those who already are familiar with the media's Word du Jour (remember when with Bush/Cheney it was gravitas? They love those classic Greek and Latin words), a little brush up is helpful
Hubris is an extremely heavy word - not one to be cheapened like pulling a rabbit out of a hat. From Wikipedia:
Hubris, sometimes spelled hybris (ancient Greek ὕβÏις), is a term used in modern English to indicate overweening pride, self-confidence, superciliousness, or arrogance, often resulting in fatal retribution. In ancient Greece, hubris referred to actions which, intentionally or not, shamed and humiliated the victim, and frequently the perpetrator as well. It was most evident in the public and private actions of the powerful and rich. The word was also used to describe actions of those who challenged the gods or their laws, especially in Greek tragedy, resulting in the protagonist's downfall.Hubris, though not specifically defined, was a legal term and was considered a crime in classical Athens. It was also considered the greatest sin of the ancient Greek world. That was so because it was not only proof of excessive pride, but also resulted in violent acts by or to those involved. The category of acts constituting hubris for the ancient Greeks apparently broadened from the original specific reference to mutilation of a corpse, or a humiliation of a defeated foe, or irreverent "outrageous treatment" in general.
The meaning was eventually further generalized in its modern English usage to apply to any outrageous act or exhibition of pride or disregard for basic moral laws. Such an act may be referred to as an "act of hubris", or the person committing the act may be said to be hubristic. Atē, ancient Greek for "ruin, folly, delusion," is the action performed by the hero, usually because of his/her hubris, or great pride, that leads to his/her death or downfall.
Modern times
In its modern usage, hubris denotes overconfident pride and arrogance; it is often associated with a lack of knowledge combined with a lack of humility. An accusation of hubris often implies that suffering or punishment will follow, similar to the occasional pairing of hubris and nemesis in the Greek world. The proverb "pride goes before a fall" is thought to sum up the modern definition of hubris. In reference to someone being in hubrity: hubrity is a fulfillment of being hubristic or a continual behavior of being prideful. Victor in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein exudes hubris in order to become a great scientist, but is eventually regretting this previous desire. Faustus in Christopher Marlowe's play Dr. Faustus exudes hubris, all the way until his final minutes of life.
I'm amazed that the media supporters of Obama - who had heretofore been cast as a Messiah - would use this term to describe a rather engaging and sympathetic woman.
Anyone looked up misogyny lately?
Posted in Campaign 2008 | Permalink
Comments
WOW. I can't even see why they are so convinced that governorship of the nation's largest state (and you know it hurt me to even admit that Alaska is bigger than Texas) is not "enough" preparation for the Vice Presidency. Shall we list all of the men who have gone straight from the Governor's Mansion to the White House as President? What made them more qualified?
Th ONLY qualification that Sarah Palin is lacking is the appropriate level of loyalty that all women apparently owe the Democrats.
Posted by: Michelle | September 12, 2008 12:44 PM
Yep. Nodding my head in agreement over here.
Posted by: Gwendolyn | September 12, 2008 12:51 PM
I think that every American journalist needs to go back to Journalism 101 where they taught that news is supposed to be impartial. It is sickining reading the front page of Yahoo. It's ridiculous that all of these Op-Ed pieces are being printed as fact.
I can't take it. Talk about hubris!
Posted by: lauren | September 12, 2008 4:07 PM
I didn't see that part of the interview, but was surprised to find Charlie brought that up. These interviews have lowered him in my opinion. I've always thought of him as a nice guy, but no more.
I think she's the humblest of the four up for the top jobs.
Anyone running for president needs to be doing a self-evaluation in that area.
Krauthammer did an interesting reaction to the Bush Doctrine question, showing Gibson himself is foggy on its meaning. There is no universally understood meaning of the term; it's had four incarnations.
Several conservative sites are documenting how ABC edited the interview to Palin's disadvantage. I think Townhall.com is one of them.
I'm one of those Ohio women that was thinking of not voting who will probably vote for McCain now. I can't take a woman like that being treat so badly in the public square. I'm becoming rather ashamed of the MSM in this country.
Posted by: Julana | September 13, 2008 8:47 PM
