George Soros, the Hungarian-American billionaire investor and philanthropist, is one of the most polarising figures in modern politics and finance.

To his supporters, he is a champion of democracy, human rights, and open societies.

To his critics, he is a shadowy manipulator of global affairs, wielding his vast wealth to reshape nations according to his ideological vision.

But beyond these competing narratives lies a more controversial claim: Soros sees himself as a kind of modern-day messiah—a self-appointed saviour who believes he has a unique moral and intellectual duty to guide humanity toward a better future. This article explores Soros’s messianic self-perception, examining his own words, philosophical influences, and the grand scale of his political and philanthropic ambitions.

Soros’s worldview is deeply influenced by the philosopher Karl Popper, particularly his book The Open Society and Its Enemies. Popper argued that societies should be open to criticism, democratic, and resistant to authoritarianism.

Soros adopted this philosophy, but with a twist - he positioned himself as the key enforcer of this vision. In his writings, Soros frequently presents himself as a lone intellectual warrior battling against tyranny, corruption, and ignorance. His 1987 book The Alchemy of Finance reveals his belief in his superior understanding of markets and human behaviour. This is a trait common among those who see themselves as destined to lead.

Soros famously "Broke the Bank of England" in 1992 by shorting the British pound, earning over $1 billion in a single trade. This event cemented his reputation as a financial genius capable of reshaping economies.

But Soros didn’t just see this as a business move - he framed it as a moral act. In interviews, he has suggested that his ability to predict and manipulate markets gives him a unique responsibility to intervene in global affairs. This belief in his infallibility mirrors the self-perception of historical figures who saw themselves as divinely guided.

Through his Open Society Foundations (OSF), Soros has spent billions funding progressive causes, including criminal justice reform, immigration advocacy, and efforts to promote regime change in Eastern Europe. His influence extends across continents, with critics accusing him of interfering in the politics of sovereign nations.

Soros doesn’t merely fund these causes—he sees himself as orchestrating a grand historical shift.

In a 2018 interview with The Washington Post, he said: "I am basically a selfless, self-centred egotist. I have a very high opinion of myself, but I am willing to sacrifice myself for my principles."

This statement encapsulates his messianic self-image: a man who believes he is uniquely qualified to lead humanity, even at personal cost.

Soros has been particularly active in Europe, advocating for pro-migration policies and opposing nationalist leaders such as Viktor Orbán in Hungary.

Orbán has accused Soros of seeking to destroy European Christian identity - a claim that aligns with the idea of Soros as a self-appointed architect of a "New World Order."

In 2017, Soros delivered a speech outlining his vision for Europe, calling for a more tolerant and inclusive continent.

While noble in intent, his top-down approach—bypassing democratic consensus in favour of elite-driven change—reinforces the perception that he regards himself as above ordinary political processes.

In his 2004 book The Bubble of American Supremacy, Soros compared himself to a biblical prophet, warning of impending doom if the U.S. did not change course. He wrote: "I have made it my mission to puncture the prevailing misconceptions."

This language - casting himself as a truth-teller in a world of delusion - echoes the rhetoric of religious leaders who claim divine insight.

Perhaps the most revealing statement came in a 1998 interview with 60 Minutes, in which Soros said, "I fancied myself as some kind of god… I’m not a religious person, but I had this feeling that I was somehow above the world."

While he later clarified that this reflected his market power, the phrasing is telling. Few billionaires openly admit to such a godlike self-perception.

Soros’s messianic ambitions have made him a lightning rod for conspiracy theories. Far-right groups portray him as a puppet master controlling protests, elections, and even pandemics.

Some extremists have gone further, depicting him as the "Antichrist" or a Jewish mastermind orchestrating global chaos.

While these claims are baseless, they stem from a kernel of truth: Soros does seek to reshape the world according to his vision.

His influence is real, even if his enemies exaggerate it.

Critics argue that Soros’s methods—pouring billions into political activism and supporting NGOS that bypass democratic processes—make him a hypocrite. He champions democracy yet operates as an unelected power broker.

This contradiction is central to the messiah complex: the belief that one is so morally and intellectually superior that standard rules don’t apply.

George Soros is neither a saint nor a demon - he is a billionaire activist with an extraordinary belief in his mission.

Whether his vision is noble or dangerous depends on one’s perspective. However, one thing is clear: Soros views himself as a modern-day Messiah, destined to guide humanity toward his vision of an "open society."

His wealth, influence, and self-perception place him in a rare category of individuals who believe they are shaping history.

The question remains: Does the world need a George Soros to lead it, or is his messianic ambition a warning about the dangers of unchecked power?

Soros’s legacy will be debated for decades to come. His supporters will praise his philanthropy; his detractors will condemn his interference.

But beneath it all is a man who, by his admission, once fancied himself a god. Ultimately, history may judge whether Soros was a visionary, a megalomaniac, or perhaps both.