Ambition Quote by George Santayana
“The aim of life is some way of living, as flexible and gentle as human nature; so that ambition may stoop to kindness, and philosophy to condor and humor. Neither prosperity nor empire nor heaven can be worth winning at the price of a virulent temper.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Life of Reason, Volume I, 1905
Living gently aligns ambition with kindness, avoiding harshness that corrupts virtue.
In simple terms: Live gently, keep ambition kind.
Key Takeaway
Choose kindness over ruthless ambition.
Themes
kindness
humility
philosophy
self‑control
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
ethics
human nature
temperament
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you soften ambition in daily life?
- What habits promote a gentle temperament?
A Different Perspective
Ambition can become destructive if not tempered.
