Hubris is exaggerated pride or self-confidence that often results in a comeuppance. In Greek mythology, a hubristic protagonist often suffers humiliation. When Icarus ignored advice not to fly too close to the sun, his wax wings melted and he fell to his death. (By contrast, in American business, hubris is less damning. If Icarus had been a bank CEO, he’d have escaped with a $10 million golden parachute.)
