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The week's question
In December 2024, in the thread "Re: BRK: Why Not XOM?", BreckHutHigh asked the members: "What about the long road trips with kids?" This week it is put to everyone again. The button below opens the small thread re-asking it - read what others have said so far, then give your own answer as an ordinary reply.
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Author: ges 🐝 HONORARY
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Number: of 84361 
Subject: Re: MTG sounds reasonable...
Date: 01/05/26 8:41 PM
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There's nothing that stands in our way. There's no military or militia that's powerful enough to stop us. There's no international law that holds us back because international law is fake. You know, the only laws that exist are rules that are written and codified by and enforced by a legitimate governing authority and enforced with violence if necessary. That's it. Those are the only laws. That's what a law is by definition, and everything else is just a suggestion.


Now, that is hubris! Of the classical variety. We know where that leads and how it ends. But Trump and his army of idiot sycophants has no idea.

Hubris is excessive pride, arrogance, or overconfidence, originating in ancient Greece where it meant defying the gods, leading to downfall (like Icarus flying too close to the sun). In modern usage, it's extreme self-belief that blinds individuals to flaws, causing them to overestimate abilities and act foolishly, often resulting in failure or ruin in business, politics, or personal life, serving as a classic warning for "pride before the fall".

Characteristics

Excessive Pride: An inflated sense of self-worth, believing oneself superior or invincible.

Overconfidence: Overestimating one's abilities, leading to reckless decisions.

Arrogance: A sense of entitlement, often dismissing warnings or the advice of others.

Disregard for Limits: A belief one can transcend human limitations or manipulate destiny.

Consequences

Downfall/Ruin: Leads to failure, embarrassment, or destruction, as seen in tragic heroes.

Blindness: Causes foolish actions that go against common sense.

Divine Punishment (Ancient Greece): Attracted retribution from gods like Nemesis.

Examples in Culture & Life

Mythology: Icarus (flew too close to the sun), Phaethon (drove sun chariot).

Literature: Macbeth (believed prophecies made him invincible).

Modern Life: Leaders ignoring expert advice, investors overestimating market knowledge, or anyone dismissing valid concerns due to ego.

How to Avoid It

Cultivate Humility: Recognize human limitations and the value of others' input.

Seek Feedback: Be open to criticism and external perspectives, especially from subordinates or peers.

Practice Self-Awareness: Regularly check your own motivations and confidence levels.
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This community has written 84,309 posts about US Policy. The article-length ones it recommended most:
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