From: Daily Mail
Power really DOES go to the head: Expert says that egos of Thatcher and Blair were reflected in their self-obsessed language
- Hubris is commonly associated with a loss of contact with reality and an overestimation of one’s own competence, accomplishments or capabilities
- British researchers discovered that this personality change was reflected in both Blair’s and Thatcher’s use of language
- It is as if power, almost literally “goes to their head”, they say
… Dubbed Hubris syndrome, it has been suggested that a number of Prime Ministers may have developed the personality disorder – known as Hubris syndrome – while in power.
Researchers at St George’s, University of London have discovered that this personality change was reflected in both Blair’s and Thatcher’s use of language.
Hubris, say the researchers, is commonly associated with a loss of contact with reality and an overestimation of one’s own competence, accomplishments or capabilities.
It is characterised by a pattern of exuberant self-confidence, recklessness and contempt for others, and is most particularly recognised in subjects holding positions of significant power.
Fourteen clinical symptoms of Hubris syndrome have been described. People who show at least three of these could be diagnosed with the disorder.