A beastly ambition, which the gods grant thee t' attain…
““A beastly ambition, which the gods grant thee t' attain to! If thou wert the lion, the fox would beguile thee; if thou wert the lamb, the fox would eat three: if thou wert the fox, the lion would suspect thee, when peradventure thou wert accused by the ass: if thou wert the ass, thy dulness would torment thee, and still thou livedst but as a breakfast to the wolf: if thou wert the wolf, thy greediness would afflict thee, and oft thou shouldst hazard thy life for thy dinner: wert thou the unicorn, pride and wrath would confound thee and make thine own self the conquest of thy fury: wert thou a bear, thou wouldst be killed by the horse: wert thou a horse, thou wouldst be seized by the leopard: wert thou a leopard, thou wert german to the lion and the spots of thy kindred were jurors on thy life: all thy safety were remotion and thy defence absence. What beast couldst thou be, that were not subject to a beast? and what a beast art thou already, that seest not thy loss in transformation!””
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 lists how every role or desire brings its own dangers, suggesting that no state is free from vulnerability.
In simple terms: Every ambition invites its own risks.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the hidden costs of your goals.
Themes
ambition
vulnerability
identity
power
transformation
Mood
reflective
cautionary
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- personal relationships
- political leadership
- creative projects
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
philosophy
human nature
paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- What ambition might be harming you unnoticed?
- How can you balance desire with safety?
A Different Perspective
Even with caution, unforeseen consequences can still arise.