Ambition Quote by Abraham Lincoln
![“Twenty-two years ago Judge [then-Senator Stephen] Douglas and I first became acquainted. We were both young then; he a trifle younger than I. Even then, we were both ambitious; I, perhaps, quite as much so as he. With me, the race of ambition has been a failure--a flat failure; with him it has…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/91a/abraham-lincoln-88_ambition_twenty-two-years-ago-judge-then-senator_1689352.jpg)
“Twenty-two years ago Judge [then-Senator Stephen] Douglas and I first became acquainted. We were both young then; he a trifle younger than I. Even then, we were both ambitious; I, perhaps, quite as much so as he. With me, the race of ambition has been a failure--a flat failure; with him it has been one of splendid success.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Illinois Republican Convention, 1858
Lincoln reflects on his and Douglas's early ambitions, noting his own failure versus Douglas's success.
In simple terms: Lincoln compares his early ambition with Douglas's, seeing his own as a failure and Douglas's as successful.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that ambition can lead to different outcomes; learn from both success and failure.
Themes
ambition
politics
comparison
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- personal career planning
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
leadership
career trajectories
historical reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define success in your ambitions?
- What factors contributed to Douglas's success?
A Different Perspective
Success may depend on timing and external factors, not just ambition.
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