Ambition Quote by Augustine of Hippo
““But unscrupulous ambition has nothing to work upon, save in a nation corrupted by avarice and luxury. Moreover, a people becomes avaricious and luxurious by prosperity.””
About This Quote
Ambition without moral grounding thrives only in societies corrupted by greed and excess; prosperity breeds avarice and luxury.
In simple terms: Ambition needs virtue; greed fuels it.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate ethical foundations before pursuing ambition.
Themes
morality
politics
prosperity
greed
corruption
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- economic policy
- personal ambition
- civic education
Key Concepts
ethical ambition
social decay
prosperity paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance wealth with virtue?
- What safeguards prevent ambition from becoming exploitative?
A Different Perspective
Even virtuous ambition can be twisted by systemic corruption.
![“Time takes no holiday. It does not roll idly by, but through our senses works its own wonders in the mind. Time came and went from one day to the next; in its coming and its passing it brought me other hopes and other memories. [quoted in Peter Brown, Augustine of Hippo, p. 54]” quote by Augustine of Hippo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7c2/augustine-of-hippo-2589_change_time-takes-no-holiday-it-does-not-roll-i_22609.jpg)
