Ambition! We must be careful what we mean by it. If it…
“Ambition! We must be careful what we mean by it. If it means the desire to get ahead of other people - which is what I think it does mean - then it is bad. If it means simply wanting to do a thing well, then it is good. It isn't wrong for an actor to want to act his part as well as it can possibly be acted, but the wish to have his name in bigger type than the other actors is a bad one.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Ambition is good when it drives excellence, but becomes harmful when it seeks superiority over others.
In simple terms: Ambition can be noble or selfish.
Key Takeaway
Pursue excellence, not dominance.
Themes
ambition
ethics
excellence
humility
competition
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- artistic performance
- academic study
- team sports
- leadership roles
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
personal motivation
social comparison
Questions to Reflect On
- Is your ambition rooted in self‑improvement?
- How do you celebrate others’ successes?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on competition can damage relationships.