Ambition Quote by Edmund Burke
“Among precautions against ambition, it may not be amiss to take precautions against our own. I must fairly say, I dread our own power and our own ambition: I dread our being too much dreaded.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on the Revolution in France, Edmund Burke, 1790
One should guard against personal ambition as fiercely as against external threats, fearing the corrupting influence of power.
In simple terms: Watch out for your own ambition.
Key Takeaway
Guard against personal ambition.
Themes
self-awareness
power
ethics
politics
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- policy making
- personal development
- organizational culture
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What ambitions might you be ignoring?
- How can you balance ambition with humility?
A Different Perspective
Self‑control is difficult when ambition is socially rewarded.
