Daily Speculations
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James Sogi
Philosopher, Juris Doctor, surfer,
trader, investor, musician, black belt, sailor,
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(address is not clickable)10/28/2005
Hubris
An essential ingredient of human nature is the belief in the ability to survive.
Human self-perception of ability diverges from the reality. The least able often have think themselves the most superior. The divergence is least in those with the highest ability.
The degrees of divergence changes in cycles. The Greeks and Shakespeare considered this divergence to be hubris. Hubris is a flaw that can lead to downfall. The danger of hubris is it that leads to attempts that are beyond the ability to perform or to inappropriate acts.
The other side of the coin of hubris is man's inability to see his own faults and limitations. Few see their own faults. It is nearly impossible for all but the enlightened few to do so for reasons that only a psychologist could explain. Many mighty titans of industry, finance and politics have taken the big fall in recent memory and news brews tomorrow. A few wins, a few up months can lead to blinding hubris in the market.
Humility alone is not the cure, but it is a start. The lonely and empty road to self-introspection and enlightenment is long and hard. Ah, to be able to see and understand!
Jim Sogi, May 2005
(address is not clickable)