GLOSSARY

Hubristic Pride

Hubristic Pride

/hjuːˈbrɪs.tɪk praɪd/

Although pride and hubris may seem similar, they are distinct emotions. Pride is a positive feeling rooted in genuine accomplishments or meaningful connections, such as pride in a community or country. Hubris is an exaggerated sense of self-importance and abilities, often detached from reality and lacking self-reflection.


In ancient Greece, hubris was more than arrogance—it was seen as a dangerous defiance of human limits. Those who acted as though superior to others, or even to the gods, faced severe consequences. This theme runs through classic literature, where hubris leads characters to their downfall because they ignore boundaries and rules.


Today, we understand hubris as overconfidence, a belief in personal infallibility. According to Western psychology, “I am too good to fail” or “I’m too important to face consequences” are common examples. This mindset can blind people to their own flaws, leading to risky decisions and a refusal to accept valid criticism. Leaders, particularly in politics, business, and the military, are susceptible to this mentality, as power may amplify self-delusion.


In politics, hubris is revealed in language and behaviour. Overusing "I" in speeches is a sign. For example, in his 2016 Republican National Convention speech, Donald Trump declared: “Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it” and “I will restore law and order”. While some saw confidence, others saw hubris.


Hubris also appears between groups. In political campaigns, parties may project superiority, idealising their members while dismissing outsiders as inferiors. Opponents may accuse each other of hubris, labelling rivals as arrogant or out of touch.


Some researchers argue that hubris is pride taken to an extreme—hence the term “hubristic pride”. This moral emotion arises when people feel proud without a real triggering event or for achievements they did not accomplish. Some consider hubristic pride maladaptive, linking it to aggression and dissatisfaction in relationships. Others argue that hubristic pride can be adaptive, fostering overconfidence or allowing individuals to claim credit for others’ achievements. By trying to convince others of their accomplishments, people expressing hubristic pride may gain dominance, resources, and attractive partners.


While authentic pride is connected to higher levels of self-esteem, hubristic pride is tied to higher levels of narcissism. Researchers describe this form of hubristic pride “collective narcissism”, where individuals overstate the positive image and importance of their own group. Collective narcissism can make people more likely to believe conspiracy theories about others. It can even lead to conflict.


There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Authentic, performance-based pride builds unity and triggers positive social engagement. Its inauthentic form, hubristic pride—whether individual or collective—tends to be divisive and destructive, eliciting criticism and opposition.


FURTHER READING


Magyari, L., Pléh, C., & Forgács, B. (2022). The Hungarian hubris syndrome. PLOS ONE, 17(8), https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0273226

Salmela, M., & Sullivan, G. B. (2022). The rational appropriateness of group-based pride. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.848644

Wubben, M. J., De Cremer, D., & Van Dijk, E. (2012). Is pride a prosocial emotion? Interpersonal effects of authentic and hubristic pride. Cognition and Emotion, 26(6), 1084–1097. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699931.2011.646956

Tracy, J. L., Mercadante, E., Witkower, Z., & Cheng, J. T. (2020). The evolution of pride and social hierarchy. In Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 62, pp. 51-114). Academic Press.

De Zavala, A. G., Cichocka, A., Eidelson, R., & Jayawickreme, N. (2009). Collective narcissism and its social consequences. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 97(6), 1074–1096. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/a0016904