Unlearning Unlimited

Monday Muse
6 April 2026

HUBRIS

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has proposed that India should replace the international norm of ‘Greenwich Mean Time’ (GMT) by ‘Mahakal Standard Time’ (MST). His argument is based on his 'pride' for time calculations, he claims were made in ancient India. However, the obviously disastrous implications confirmed that his pride was actually hubris.

The term 'hubris' is derived from Greek hýbris, meaning arrogance. The story of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked pride. In literature, characters like Macbeth and Odysseus' crew depict the devastating consequences of hubris.

In modern usage, the term is common in leadership, business and politics, where it leads to ignoring advice, poor decision-making and eventual failure. Hubris causes a person to ignore obvious dangers, often resulting in their ruin.

Pride, in moderation, can be a powerful motivator and drive individuals to push boundaries, achieve greatness and assert their presence. However, when pride morphs into hubris, it becomes a destructive force. It blinds individuals to their weaknesses, making them more susceptible to errors and poor decision-making.

Hubris is often linked to narcissistic personality traits, where individuals develop an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy. This can lead to a toxic mix of entitlement, aggression, and risk-taking behavior. While confidence is essential for growth and success, hubris can lead to destructive behavior and ultimately, downfall.

Hubris is damningly misplaced pride
Downfall will be the end of the ride

~ Pravin K Sabnis

MONDAY MUSE is now into the 23rd year, written by Goa based Experiential Coach, Pravin K. Sabnis, since the first Monday of 2004. Send your feedback to 9422640141 or [email protected]

Monday Muse
16 March 2026

EQUIPOISE

The Carpe Diem Art Gallery at Majorda, Goa is celebrating women artists over the entire month of March through exhibitions, workshops, screenings and interactive discussions. At one such discussion, playwright Isabel Vas shared her approach to storytelling in theatre. She said rather than focussing on conflict, she chose to find 'equipoise'.

In the midst of strife, the idea of equipoise reminds us of the importance of balance in our lives. Derived from the Latin words 'aequus' (equal) and 'ponere' (to place), equipoise refers to a state of equilibrium, where opposing forces are balanced, and stability is achieved.

In today's fast-paced world, equipoise is more crucial than ever. The pursuit of success, happiness, and fulfillment can lead to an endless cycle of striving, stress, and burnout. Equipoise offers a right choice: to pause and recalibrate.

Equipoise is not about achieving a static state of perfection; rather, it's a dynamic process of adjustment, adaptation and growth. It's about finding balance amidst the lows and flows of life, acknowledging that opposing forces are an inherent part of the human experience. By embracing equipoise, we can cultivate resilience, clarity and purpose.

Equipoise is surely a choice fine,
Balance is a harmonious sign!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

MONDAY MUSE is now into the 23rd year, written by Goa based Experiential Coach, Pravin K. Sabnis, since the first Monday of 2004. Send your feedback to 9422640141 or [email protected]