Ambition is but avarice on stilts, and masked. God…
“Ambition is but avarice on stilts, and masked. God sometimes sends a famine, sometimes a pestilence, and sometimes a hero, for the chastisement of mankind; none of them surely for our admiration.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Ambition masquerades as noble drive but often hides greed, and crises bring heroes or punishments, not admiration.
In simple terms: Ambition can hide greed; crises produce heroes, not praise.
Key Takeaway
Beware hidden motives; value true virtue.
Themes
ambition
greed
crisis
heroism
humility
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- personal ambition
- societal crises
- public perception
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
psychology
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your ambition?
- How do you distinguish genuine heroism from self‑interest?
A Different Perspective
Not all heroic acts are worthy of admiration; motives matter.