Jeff Key : Hubris—The Impetuous Sibling of Humility

Hubris (n)—Overbearing pride; arrogance.

“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of

themselves and wiser people so full of doubts” —Bertrand Russell

“No one knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it.”

—Donald Trump (nomination acceptance speech, 2016)

"Because the “Ratings” of my News Conferences etc. are so high, “Bachelor Finale, Monday Night Football type numbers” the Lamestream Media is going CRAZY. " (@realDonaldTrump tweet, March 29, 2020)

Spring winds have blown humility over the fence and hit our neighbors squarely in the face. Whether it’s a global health crisis, people who are fleeing repressive countries, or respect for those with opposing political views—humility, decorum, and common courtesy are values being abandoned.

Reliance on science and the advice of experts are taking a back seat to self-serving arrogance instead of what is substantiated fact and what best serves the needs of the world’s population.

Knowing no boundaries or class distinction, COVID-19 has been a great equalizer. It has wrapped its insidious arms around world leaders, athletes, young, old, wealthy, disadvantaged, and front line healthcare workers.

The virus has stared down hubris and through its sheer destructive power has demanded humility. The self-righteous have had to consider that maybe they don’t have all the answers.

As Paul Anka wrote in his 1969 song, My Way— “Yes there were times… when I bit off more than I could chew, but through it all when there was doubt…….I stood tall and did it My Way.