He that seeketh to be eminent amongst able men hath a…
“He that seeketh to be eminent amongst able men hath a great task; but that is ever good for the public. But he that plots to be the only figure amongst ciphers is the decay of a whole age.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The ambition to excel among the capable serves society, while selfish scheming harms an era.
In simple terms: Helping others is noble; selfishness damages society.
Key Takeaway
Pursue collective good, avoid selfish ambition.
Themes
leadership
ethics
society
ambition
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
moral
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- corporate governance
- community projects
Key Concepts
human nature
public good
corruption
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal ambition affect the common good?
- When does ambition become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Selfish pursuits can erode trust and progress.