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- Hubris, or pride, is one of the seven cardinal sins, which can manifest itself in over-confidence, incorrect heuristics and biased reasoning.- If a tendency to 'know better' leads to performing superfluous procedures, it is an expression of Hubris.- Superfluous procedures can be defined as "generally accepted procedures the effectiveness of which can be invalidated on the basis of scientific knowledge".- If such superfluous procedures are carried out as a result of pride they can lead to a waste of money, time and resources and may even harm the patient.- Superfluous procedures cover the entire spectrum of medical screening, diagnosis and treatment.- Carrying out superfluous procedures such as unnecessary referrals or requesting unnecessary diagnostic tests simply to placate the patient is unwarranted.- A return to economically viable and worthwhile healthcare can be brought about by thinking in terms of surplus value for the patient and by recognising, admitting and combating Hubris