The Icarus complex is a term in psychoanalysis and personality theory first used by Henry A. Murray[1] to describe a particular type of overambitious character.
Psychosynthesis has applied it to those in whom spiritual ambition exceeds their personality limits, leading to a backlash.
Daedalus warned Icarus not to fly too close to the sun or too low to the sea.
Overwhelmed with the excitement of flying, Icarus flew much too high, and as a result the wax melted and his feathers fell off.
[3] It is seen in a personality type that contains many or all of the following attributes:[1] Ancillary consequences of this personality complex are: Doubt[further explanation needed] has been expressed as to the therapeutic value of the diagnosis of Icarus complex.