April 3, 2006
Megalomania
by jhyde
Did anyone know the term 'megalomania' is actually a combining form of the word 'megal/o' and 'mania'? And is it too hard to imagine that the word 'megal' means big? Having been introduced to the term 'megalomania' several times before taking a medical terminology class, it appears I have attached much more meaning to it than is standard in the medical dictionaries. According to wordnet.princeton.edu megalomania is described as "a psychological state characterized by delusions of grandeur". That's pretty simple. However I have complicated this message to be defined as "a person with outlandish behavior, with no rational thought capabilities whatsoever". Insult to injury, I have falsely added my own examples of people I thought suffered from such a condition. I say falsely because it has occurred to me that under such a definition as provided by Princeton every human being is a megalomaniac! 'Nuff said.
Published: April 3, 2006
Editor: stacy