Ambition Quote by Christopher Hitchens
““Famine is good to the corn-merchant, evil to the poor, and indifferent to those whose fortunes can at all times command a superfluity. Ambition is evil to the restless bosom it inhabits, to the innumerable victims who are dragged by its ruthless thirst for infamy, to expire in every variety of anguish, to the inhabitants of the country it depopulates, and to the human race whose improvement it retards; it is indifferent with regard to the system of the Universe, and is good only to the vultures and the jackals that track the conqueror’s career, and to the worms who feast in security on the desolation of his progress. It is manifest that we cannot reason with respect to the universal system from that which only exists in relation to our own perceptions.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Moral Landscape of Ambition”, 2005
Ambition benefits the powerful and harms the vulnerable, while the universe remains indifferent to human striving, highlighting moral inequities and the destructive nature of unchecked desire.
In simple terms: Ambition helps the rich, hurts the poor, and the cosmos doesn’t care.
Key Takeaway
Recognize ambition’s impact on others and act responsibly.
Themes
ethics
power
inequality
human nature
ambition
Mood
reflective
critical
serious
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political policy
- corporate ethics
- personal ambition
- social activism
Key Concepts
social critique
philosophical analysis
economic disparity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does ambition affect those beyond your immediate circle?
- Can ambition be harnessed for collective good?
A Different Perspective
Ambition can also drive innovation and positive change when guided ethically.
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