Word of the day - Hubris

Hubris, meaning excessive pride and overconfidence, often leads to downfall. This ancient Greek concept, entering English in the 19th century, describes individuals or entities that overestimate their abilities, ignoring risks and advice.

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

• Hubris, meaning excessive pride and overconfidence, often leads to downfall.
• This ancient Greek concept, entering English in the 19th century, describes individuals or entities that overestimate their abilities, ignoring risks and advice.
• Journalism frequently employs the term to analyze leaders and institutions whose unchecked ambition results in serious consequences and crises.

Background

What led here, in plain terms:

• This ancient Greek concept, entering English in the 19th century, describes individuals or entities that overestimate their abilities, ignoring risks and advice.
• Journalism frequently employs the term to analyze leaders and institutions whose unchecked ambition results in serious consequences and crises.

Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

• Journalism frequently employs the term to analyze leaders and institutions whose unchecked ambition results in serious consequences and crises.
• Hubris, meaning excessive pride and overconfidence, often leads to downfall.
• This ancient Greek concept, entering English in the 19th century, describes individuals or entities that overestimate their abilities, ignoring risks and advice.