Ambition Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
“What we take for high-mindedness is very often no other than ambition well disguised, that scorns means interests, only to pursuegreater.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Maximes, 1665
Ambition often masquerades as noble ideals, disguising self‑interest and leading to pursuits that serve personal gain over genuine virtue.
In simple terms: Ambition hides as high ideals but serves self.
Key Takeaway
Beware of disguised self‑interest.
Themes
ambition
virtue
hypocrisy
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- career advancement
- social movements
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
self‑interest
egoism
Questions to Reflect On
- What motives lie behind your goals?
- How to distinguish true altruism from ambition?
A Different Perspective
May overlook genuine altruism, causing distrust.
![“I would not for a moment have you suppose that I am one of those idiots who scorns Science, merely because it is always twisting and turning, and sometimes shedding its skin, like the serpent that is [the doctors'] symbol.” quote by Robertson Davies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/824/robertson-davies-834_accounts_i-would-not-for-a-moment-have-you-suppos_650378.jpg)
