Why “megalopsychy” is a great word
Megalopsychy is an immoderate and inflated estimation of one's own worth, a presumption of greatness far beyond merit. From the Ancient Greek μεγαλοψυχία (megalopsychía), from μέγας (mégas, 'great') + ψυχή (psykhḗ, 'soul, spirit'). Unlike magnanimity, which denotes a nobility of spirit in forgiveness, or hubris, which is a defiant arrogance inviting nemesis, megalopsychy is the quieter, chronic condition of a self-regard so vast it displaces reality. It is the general who mistakes luck for genius, the unrequested advice delivered as gospel, and the unshakeable solidity of delusion as he surveys a world he believes exists for his commentary—the tragedy of a soul that has mistaken its own echo for an audience.