Picture a talented entrepreneur who builds a company from scratch. After years of success, he becomes convinced he can do no wrong and begins to ignore advice from his team. His overconfidence leads to risky decisions and, eventually, the company’s collapse. This is hubris: excessive pride that can lead to someone’s downfall.
Key concepts and usage:
- Hubris often shows up when someone overestimates their abilities or importance.
- It happens when pride makes someone ignore risks or advice.
- Hubris typically results in negative consequences, such as failure or loss.
- You’ll see it in media, but hubris also occurs in real life.
What is hubris?
Hubris (pronounced “HYOO-bris”) is a noun meaning extreme pride or arrogance that often leads to downfall. It originates from ancient Greek mythology, where it referred to defying the gods. Today hubris describes overconfidence that results in failure or ruin.
History of hubris
The concept of hubris has deep roots in Greek mythology. Ancient Greeks believed that humans could, through their actions, become as great as the gods. However, mortals who showed hubris—by thinking they could outwit or challenge the gods—were severely punished.
A classic example of hubris is the story of Icarus. His pride got the better of him when he flew too close to the sun, ignoring warnings. The wax on his wings melted, and he plunged into the sea, where he drowned.
Over time, the idea of hubris evolved. In the past, it referred strictly to defying the gods. Today, it applies to anyone who shows extreme overconfidence or pride, often to their detriment. From leaders to everyday people, hubris is now a warning sign of downfall for people who overestimate their own abilities.
Examples of hubris
While hubris originated from Greek mythology, it appears in many of the books, movies, and stories we consume today. Let’s go over a few examples:
- Captain Ahab in Moby-Dick: He’s so obsessed with hunting a whale that he ignores the dangers of doing so, which eventually results in his death.
- Tony Stark in Iron Man: He thinks he can control advanced technology, but this belief puts him and the whole world at risk.
- Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby: He believes he can re-create the perfect life to win back a lost love—an obsession that blinds him to reality and leads to his destruction.
- Walter White in Breaking Bad: He’s confident he can outmaneuver the law and control his drug empire, but his decisions endanger himself and his family.
Looking at these examples, it’s easy to see how hubris leads characters to their downfall. Each is blinded by pride or confidence, although their motivations differ: Ahab is driven by revenge, Stark by intellect, Gatsby by idealism, and White by power.
How to use “hubris” in a sentence
Now that you’ve seen a few examples of hubris, let’s review how to use it correctly. When using hubris in a sentence, keep the following guidelines in mind:
1
Context
Use hubris to describe excessive pride or confidence, especially when it leads to negative outcomes.
Example: His hubris made him think he could handle everything alone, but it backfired.
2
Subject
Hubris best describes characters whose arrogance leads to their downfall.
Example: The hero’s hubris made him believe he was unbeatable, which ultimately led to his defeat.
4
Consequences
Hubris usually carries negative consequences, so use it to describe instances when pride leads to failure.
Example: Her hubris made her think she could pass the exam without studying.
5
Tone
Hubris works best when used in more serious contexts, like literature or politics.
Example: The senator’s hubris turned voters away because he believed he could do no wrong.
What is the function of hubris in media?
Hubris is a powerful tool in storytelling. It shapes characters, fuels drama, and can alter the course of a story. Let’s explore different ways it’s used in media:
- To create a cautionary tale: Hubris often serves as a warning. Take Macbeth, for instance. His overconfidence leads to his downfall and shows how ambition can make it difficult for people to see the consequences of their actions.
- To create conflict and propel the plot: Characters driven by hubris often make reckless decisions. In Jurassic Park, the scientists’ belief that they can control nature leads to the chaos that drives the story’s conflict.
- To make characters relatable: Hubris can humanize characters by highlighting their flaws. For example, in The Incredibles, Mr. Incredible’s pride causes him to make mistakes that put his family at risk—showing how even someone with extraordinary abilities can falter because of their overconfidence.
“Hubris” vs. “Hamartia”
Hubris and hamartia are both flaws, but they refer to different things.
- Hubris is excessive pride that often leads to a downfall.
- Hamartia is a fatal flaw that brings failure.
You can spot hubris in characters who think they’re unbeatable, whereas hamartia shows up as a specific mistake or weakness. When a character has both hubris and hamartia, it increases the drama of their story; their pride can hide their flaws, leading to bigger conflicts and failures.
Hubris FAQs
What is hubris?
Hubris is excessive pride or confidence that often leads to someone’s downfall. It usually involves overestimating one’s abilities or ignoring warnings from others.
What are some examples of hubris?
In Macbeth, the title character’s overconfidence in his power led to his destruction. Another example is Captain Ahab from Moby-Dick, whose obsession with hunting the white whale blinds him to danger and leads to his death.
How do you use hubris in a sentence?
Hubris is often used to describe excessive pride that leads to a downfall. Here’s an example of hubris in a sentence: After winning several games in a row, his hubris made him believe he could never lose, which led to a crushing defeat.
What are some synonyms for hubris?
Some synonyms for hubris include arrogance, pride, conceit, and overconfidence. Each of these words captures the idea of an inflated sense of self-worth.