FEB 23 — Adolf Hitler, Tony Blair and George Bush developed a Hubris Syndrome while in power, Benito Mussolini and Mao Zedong were both severely depressed and probably bipolar, while Nikita Khrushchev suffered mild mania.

In addition, Neville Chamberlain, Margaret Thatcher, George W. Bush, Theodore Roosevelt and Lyndon Baines Johnson also showed signs of the Hubris Syndrome symptoms.

The above sayings are quoted from David Owen’s book, In Sickness and in Power.

Who is David Owen? How could he make such a “diagnosis”?

David Owen is a British veteran politician. He graduated from the University of Cambridge and served as a medical doctor, a neurologist with a special interest in psychiatry. He was elected Labour Member of Parliament and later became the British Foreign Secretary. He is also founder of the Social Democratic Party.

As a politician and a medical professional, he makes professional observation and diagnosis based on political leaders’ crisis management approaches in making major policy decisions, as well as their physical and psychological health status.

In the book, Owen bluntly studied the words and deeds of former British prime minister Tony Blair and former US president George W. Bush. He wrote that the two leaders’ move of calling the Iraq war was a concrete manifestation of Hubris Syndrome.

He also criticised that the leaders were too confident to listen to different views. He claimed that Blair was interested only in making sure others know that he was in a combat with the evil, and it was actually exactly the same with Bush’s foolish remarks saying that the crusades were launched to help the world get rid of the evil.

He also listed 14 symptoms of the Hubris Syndrome, including narcissism, restlessness, excessive self-confidence, proclaiming oneself as saviour and equating oneself to the country, taking the world as a stage to perform power and seek glory, as well as despising other people’s suggestions and criticism, to the extent of thinking themselves omnipotent.

Owen urged a study of the Hubris Syndrome to develop a better democratic check and balance system, and prevent arrogant leaders from leading the country into a dangerous situation. He admitted, however, that leaders with Hubris Syndrome usually show no sign before taking the office, but the problem becomes gradually serious when they are in power.

Even more interesting, he said that leaders who meet three or more of the symptoms should step down as the world needs leaders who are wiser and healthier.

Owen’s advice should be used as a reference for politicians who are currently fighting for an opportunity to contest in the next general election. Those who are trying to attract attention with sensational words, abusive language and violence should review and see whether they have symptoms of Hubris Syndrome.

If they have, they should seek psychiatric treatment as soon as possible! — mysinchew.com

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.