Although Hillary talked of Greek tragedies and catharis at the Democratic National Convention, what happened here in Phoenix last night reminded me of another Greek concept as applied to McCain. Hubris:
Hubris, sometimes spelled hybris (ancient Greek ὕβρις), is a term used in modern English to indicate overweening pride, self-confidence, superciliousness, or arrogance, often resulting in fatal retribution. In ancient Greece, hubris referred to actions which, intentionally or not, shamed and humiliated the victim, and frequently the perpetrator as well. It was most evident in the public and private actions of the powerful and rich. The word was also used to describe actions of those who challenged the gods or their laws, especially in Greek tragedy, resulting in the protagonist's downfall.
Just after Obama finished delivering his acceptance speech in Denver, we saw a storm of epic proportions in Phoenix. I hoped McCain had battened down the hatches of his many houses as he rode it out last night.
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