Skip to content

And what, O Queen, are those things that are dear to a…

“And what, O Queen, are those things that are dear to a man? Are they not bubbles? Is not ambition but an endless ladder by which no height is ever climbed till the last unreachable rung is mounted? For height leads on to height, and there is not resting-place among them, and rung doth grow upon…” quote by H. Rider Haggard
Download Open image
““And what, O Queen, are those things that are dear to a man? Are they not bubbles? Is not ambition but an endless ladder by which no height is ever climbed till the last unreachable rung is mounted? For height leads on to height, and there is not resting-place among them, and rung doth grow upon rung, and there is no limit to the number.””

H. Rider Haggard

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote reflects on human desire, comparing ambitions to endless ladders and bubbles, suggesting they are insatiable and never truly satisfying.

In simple terms: Ambitions are endless and never fully satisfying.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of endless striving.

Themes

ambition desire human nature

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

philosophical poetic

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • personal goals
  • material pursuits
  • spiritual quests

Key Concepts

philosophy existentialism impermanence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives your endless ambitions?
  • Can you find contentment without constant ascent?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook the value of perseverance and growth.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by H. Rider Haggard

Explore all 119 H. Rider Haggard quotes

More Ambition quotes

Browse all 4,601 Ambition quotes