Ambition Quote by Charles Caleb Colton
“The blindness of bigotry, the madness of ambition, and the miscalculations of diplomacy seek their victims principally amongst the innocent and the unoffending. The cottage is sure to suffer for every error of the court, the cabinet, or the camp. When error sits in the seat of power and of authority, and is generated in high places, it may be compared to that torrent which originates indeed in the mountain, but commits its devastation in the vale.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Moral Reflections, 1820
Powerful institutions often cause harm to innocent people when errors arise from ambition, prejudice, or diplomatic failures.
In simple terms: Mistakes by leaders hurt the vulnerable.
Key Takeaway
Hold leaders accountable to protect the innocent.
Themes
politics
justice
power
innocence
error
Mood
serious
reflective
concerned
Type
aphilosophical
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- court decisions
- military actions
- diplomatic negotiations
Key Concepts
authority
ambition
bigotry
diplomacy
miscalculation
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms can prevent elite mistakes?
- How can societies protect the innocent from policy failures?
A Different Perspective
Not all errors are intentional; some stem from systemic flaws.
