Twenty-two years ago Judge [then-Senator Stephen] Douglas…
![“Twenty-two years ago Judge [then-Senator Stephen] Douglas and I first became acquainted. We were both young then; he a trifle younger than I. Even then, we were both ambitious; I, perhaps, quite as much so as he. With me, the race of ambition has been a failure--a flat failure; with him it has…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/91a/abraham-lincoln-88_ambition_twenty-two-years-ago-judge-then-senator_1689352.png)
“Twenty-two years ago Judge [then-Senator Stephen] Douglas and I first became acquainted. We were both young then; he a trifle younger than I. Even then, we were both ambitious; I, perhaps, quite as much so as he. With me, the race of ambition has been a failure--a flat failure; with him it has been one of splendid success.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Lincoln reflects on his and Douglas's early ambitions, noting his own failure versus Douglas's success.
In simple terms: Lincoln compares his early ambition with Douglas's, seeing his own as a failure and Douglas's as successful.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that ambition can lead to different outcomes; learn from both success and failure.
Themes
ambition
politics
comparison
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- personal career planning
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
leadership
career trajectories
historical reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define success in your ambitions?
- What factors contributed to Douglas's success?
A Different Perspective
Success may depend on timing and external factors, not just ambition.