VICTORY DISEASE

‘Snatching defeat from the jaws of success’ may be another way of putting it. From Icarus flying too close to the sun despite the warning from his father, to Silvio Berlusconi and his downfall through a mix of over-confidence, condescension and pride, history both ancient and modern is littered with hubris and nemesis. All are linked with an over-estimation of one’s own competence or capability.

We can see the characteristics everywhere – in the greed  of the ‘rich rich’ always wanting more, in the egotism shown by so many who have so many “things”, the lack of empathy in managers aiming to exploit subordinate staff, to selfishness  of those wanting to keep what they have at the expense of others, to a superiority complex shown by those who think they are at the top and can look down upon the majority.

However, these characteristics are devoutly defended by those falling into the categories above. They use denial (which is self-delusional) by saying they cannot perceive themselves acting in such a manner, or by distortion (of the facts to both bolster their views and to defend themselves against criticism) – criticism or rather the intolerance of criticism is a sure sign of forthcoming nemesis, in my opinion.

So, how can we recognise these “deniers”?

Look around and you will see the “control freak” who readily says, “only I can do it (whatever ‘it’ may be) and I can’t trust anyone to do it”. Then there is the “Queen Bee Syndrome” of she who has to be at the centre of the ‘known world’, pulling the strings in her favour, ignorant of the needs of others. Finally there is the “Status Seeker Symbols” he who has (must have) the newest gadget, largest house, most powerful car, latest fashion or whatever else is considered to be the “in” status symbol, even to the largest television.

Why do I write this? Because I am very aware of ‘our’ need to become something ‘we’ are not, and this at any price. I believe ‘we’ have lost our way in this world and I would include the loss of both our imagination and the happiness to be found in the “small” things of life. This is our “victory disease” – but are we in fact behaving in just the same way as Icarus?

I leave you to consider.....

Until next time (and winning no victories...),

Peripatetic Scribe