The Unforgivable Crime in Ancient Greece
Hubris was a social, moral and civic offense, an insult to the gods; the central theme of the plays, comic and tragic of the Greek playwrights.
“Hubris is extreme pride and arrogance shown by a character that ultimately brings about his downfall. Hubris is a typical flaw in the personality of a character who enjoys a powerful position; as a result of which, he overestimates his capabilities to such an extent that he loses contact with reality.”
Or,
One who because of their physical, economic, social, intellectual, civil, real, or supposed superiority over another believe they have license. They can do what they will because of who they are—an act of dominance.
In other words—
A bully.
The bottom Round of the lowest Circle in Dante’s Hell is for “Betrayal” (Treachery). When one uses their power to dominate, belittle, take advantage of another verbally, physically, psychology for their pleasure, gratification or benefit; it is a betrayal of trust — not only to the person abused, but also to coworkers, the organization and the public.
Perks come with talent, personal achievement, advancement and luck; along with these benefits also come higher standards of behavior and responsibility. There is an expectation of example and trust.
Every individual has a right to their personal dignity to be respected for who and what they are, a right to their personal space, to their moral code, privacy, to be safe. A violation of this right cannot be tolerated by anyone above, below or around the pecking order of the person abused. It is what makes us human — civilized — exceptional.
Beware Dante’s Hell!
“If one sins against the laws of proportion and gives... too big powers to too small a soul — the result is bound to be a complete upset... the unrighteousness that hubris always breeds.”
- Plato
Carpe Diem,
Carl Rich
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