Ambition Quote by Doris Kearns Goodwin
““The ambition to establish a reputation worthy of the esteem of his fellows so that his story could be told after his death had carried Lincoln through his bleak childhood, his laborious efforts to educate himself, his string of political failures, and a depression so profound that he declared himself more than willing to die, except that “he had done nothing to make any human being remember that he had lived.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, 2005
Lincoln sought lasting reputation, driving him through hardship, self‑education, failure, and deep depression, fearing oblivion.
In simple terms: Lincoln wanted lasting fame, pushing through hardship.
Key Takeaway
Pursue purpose beyond personal fame.
Themes
legacy
ambition
resilience
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
historical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career setbacks
- personal growth
- public service
Key Concepts
existential meaning
historical perseverance
Questions to Reflect On
- What legacy do you wish to leave?
- How do setbacks shape your purpose?
A Different Perspective
Fear of being forgotten can cause despair.
![“They all start competing against Lincoln as the greatest president. And the [library] building becomes the symbol, the memorial to that dream.” quote by Doris Kearns Goodwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0e8/doris-kearns-goodwin-1951_building_they-all-start-competing-against-lincoln_2169164.jpg)
