环球英语 1365 Sickness and Power - Hubris
Hello and welcome to Spotlight. I'm Steve Myersco.
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And I'm Ruby Jones. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
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‘Pride comes before a fall!'
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This is a popular saying in the English language. In today's programme, we look at pride in leaders. Could being extremely proud be a form of mental disorder? We begin today's programme with a story of a powerful leader in ancient Judah. It comes from the Bible. Marina Santee tells us more:
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Uzziah ruled the land of Judah - part of modern day Israel and the West Bank. He became king at a young age. And he led his people for fifty-two [52] years! Uzziah was a successful king. He followed God's laws and tried to honour God in all that he did. God blessed Uzziah! He owned many sheep and cows. And he owned many fields full of wonderful crops! Uzziah became very powerful. He defeated enemies who were attacking his kingdom. He built a number of strong, defensive buildings. These protected his capital city, Jerusalem. Uzziah became stronger and stronger. Soon, he was famous all over the world.
But Uzziah became very proud of his power. He forgot that it was God who had helped him to become an effective king. Uzziah began to believe that he had the right to do anything - he was the king! One day, Uzziah went to the temple of God. There were priests who worked in the temple. At that time God's law permitted only these priests to perform religious acts in the temple. One of these acts was to burn incense - a sweet-smelling substance. The smoke rose in the air as the priests offered their prayers to God. However, Uzziah took some incense and started to burn it. Some brave priests tried to stop him! They said, "O King, this is not right! You are not permitted to burn incense to the Lord. Only the priests can do this. You have disobeyed God!" Uzziah became very angry at these words. But suddenly, a terrible skin disease appeared on Uzziah's face. The priests looked at the king in fear. They believed that this disease was from God. Uzziah also became afraid. He understood that he had done a great wrong. Uzziah's pride had made him break God's law. So he hurried out of the temple.
Uzziah suffered from that skin disease for the rest of his life! He could no longer live in the king's palace or go to the temple. So his son became king in his place. Uzziah's pride had led to his ruin!
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Uzziah permitted his position and power to influence his behaviour in a negative way. One medical doctor connects this kind of behaviour in leaders to a possible mental disorder, called hubris.
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You may remember Doctor David Owen from an earlier Spotlight programme. David Owen is a medical doctor. He is also a member of the British government. The programme discussed a book written by Doctor Owen. The book is called "In Sickness and In Power." In it, Doctor Owen examined the effects of bad health on world leaders. However, Doctor Owen also talked about the Hubris Syndrome. This is a mental state that may affect leaders in government. A leader with hubris is extremely proud of his achievements. He believes that his success is a result of his own skill. And it is almost impossible to shake his self-belief. This kind of pride may well lead to him making a big mistake - just like Uzziah!
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Doctors do not yet consider Hubris Syndrome to be a real mental disorder. However, Doctor Owen's personal experience in politics made him believe that it should be. He worked with many international leaders. He observed their behaviour close up. And he noted how power could change people's characters and make them behave strangely. For example, refusing to listen to their advisers - or starting wars that were impossible to win. Doctor Owen observed enough evidence of hubris to make him believe that it is a disorder.
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Doctor Owen believes that three things can lead to hubris in a leader. First of all, great success in achieving and keeping power. Secondly, a political environment where the leader is free to make decisions on his own. And lastly, the length of time a leader stays in power.
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Doctor Owen gives examples of leaders showing hubris. One of them is Adolf Hitler. Hitler is probably one of the most well-known leaders of the last one hundred years. He governed Germany during the Second World War. Above all, he wanted Germany to become a world power. To do this, he invaded a number of European countries. He was responsible for the death of millions of people. But many people supported Hitler and his goals. He seemed like a god to them. And Hitler strongly believed in himself and his powers. He thought he could defeat anybody who crossed his path. However, history tells us that Hitler did not achieve his goal. The Allied forces attacked Hitler's armies and defeated them. Germany was in ruins. Hitler had lost. And so he shot himself. Doctor Owen believes that hubris led to his ruin, and to the ruin of his country.
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So, how can leaders make sure they do not become victims of hubris? Doctor Owen suggests some ideas:
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"These are the leaders who are most likely to avoid hubris syndrome. The people who are careful to avoid being proud when in power. They try to live their normal way of life as far as possible. They listen to the people close to them ... They do not take advantage of their power. These leaders try to ask other people for advice - even if that process may not change their opinions. Above all, in a democracy, they should respect the system of government - and not try to work in a different way from it."
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‘Pride comes before a fall'! This is a good way to describe the dangers of hubris. It would be a good idea for any leader to remember this - if he - or she - wants to rule wisely and well.
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The writer and producer of this programme was Ruby Jones. The voices you heard were from the United Kingdom. All quotes were adapted and voiced by Spotlight. To hear more Spotlight programmes, visit our website: http://www.Radio.English.net This .programme is called "Sickness and Power - Hubris".
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So is Doctor Owen right? Is pride a big danger for a wise leader? Write to us at radio@radioenglish.net. Thank you for listening today.
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