Posted on 08/14/2008 7:33:46 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
What is the actual definition of hubris? Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia:
Hubris, sometimes spelled hybris (ancient Greek ?????), 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.
Hubris, though not specifically defined, was a legal term and was considered a crime in classical Athens.
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.
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.
Although Barack Obama’s recent pretensions to become president of the United States, without serving more than a year in the Senate is an obvious example of hubris, I would like to point to a small report on the new talking point that his campaign has been spreading since yesterday, regarding the war in Georgia:
On Fox this morning, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine explained how Obama saved Georgia:
“It was a bad crisis for the world. It required tough words but also a smart approach to call on the international community to step in. And I’m very, very happy that the Senator’s request for a ceasefire has been complied with by President Medvedev.”
Of course the Russians complied with his request. They’ve also started inflating their tires in order to reduce domestic demand and free up oil for export markets. It’s like we don’t even need to elect Obama to the White House–he can stop the rise of the seas, heal the planet, and bring us peace in our time just by issuing press releases from the comfort of his Hawaiian retreat.
Is there really any best example of Obama’s hubris?
A man who continuously switches positions, no matter what his supporters may think, obviously feels untouchable. And the reasons for his hubris are the same ones shared with men like Ludacris (and other Hollywood “gangsters”), who believe that they are indestructible and “all powerful”.
But it has been our public who have allowed these men to become what they are. We have not only allowed the Media to force them down our throats, but have even sponsored their antics for the sake of entertainment. Here is an example of actions by Mr. Obama that have CONTINUOUSLY occrurred throughout this election:
Recently, Obama released an Ad attacking John McCain on Yucca Mountain:
“The Land of Lincolner’s latest attack ad features Rep. Shelly Berkley slamming McCain on his Yucca Mountain position.” (Mark Halperin, “Obama Skewers McCain In Nevada TV Spot,” Time’s “The Page” Blog, thepage.time.com, 8/9/08)
But Obama Voted Twice To Fund Yucca Mountain :
“Passage of the bill that would provide $31.2 billion in fiscal 2006 for energy and water development projects, including $5.3 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers and $25 billion for the Energy Department. It also would provide $577 million for the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository … Adoption of the conference report on the bill that would provide $30.5 billion in fiscal 2006 for energy and water development projects, including $24.3 billion for the Energy Department, $5.4 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, $1.1 billion for Interior Department water projects and $9.2 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration. It would appropriate $6.2 billion for defense environmental cleanup. It also would provide $450 million for the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository.” (H.R. 2419, CQ Vote #172: Passed 92-3: R 50-3; D 41-0; I 1-0, 7/1/05, Obama Voted Yea; H.R. 2419, CQ Vote #321: Adopted 84-4: R 48-2; D 35-2; I 1-0, 11/14/05, Obama Voted Yea)
But, in the particular case of Mr. Obama, his arrogant mentality has been there long before he received a dime from the American public in the way of campaign contributions. Here is an enlightening quote:
“‘I Can Play On This Level. I Got Some Game,’ he added, shortly before delivering the speech that would make him nationally known.“ (Andy Soltis, “Secret Of Barack’s Running Start,” The New York Post, 8/5/07)
Do we really need a ‘Gangsta President’? Do we really desire to have our children emulate a man who arrived at our highest executive position solely on the power of his arrogance, corruption and on the blatant exploitation of 50% of his ethnic makeup?
Fortunately, there is an important element within the concept of hubris: the eventual fall and disgrace of he who dwells in this mentality. But his downfall is wholly dependent on OUR efforts. Every single one of you, who spends their time exposing the lies of our politicians, boycotting the Mainstream Media, registering as Independents, donating to this site (and others), participating in election drives, etc. are all doing your part to stop the insanity that a radical, morally vacuous, and culturally deficient Presidency would bring to this Nation that we all love.
Hopefully, this fall from grace will be hard and on a bed of nails. Only in this fashion will our children understand the message behind the disgrace and learn to become better human beings in the process.
Art gallery of Obama portraits at the DNC convention.
AMEN!!!
(haven't got the 'save picture on another server' trick figured out yet)
That's OOPSilon ( Upsilon ) which has this ambiguity. Example, the name "kukla" is the same as "cycle", or circle.
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.
Ironically enough, Liddell Scott gives this sense to the Greek word - "wantonness ... insolence ... lewdness ... riotousness ... outrages"
My impression is that the modern English meaning is comparatively subdued - "Overweening pride" or ARROGANCE. ( Webster's )
[cue “Wanksta” by 50 Cent]
Go to PhotoBucket.com, create an account. Photobucket now allows you to upload pictures directly from the web, no need to save a picture to your harddrive first.
thanks for the tip!
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