Desire Quote by John Dryden
“Desire of greatness is a godlike sin.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Conquest of Granada” by John Dryden, 1670
Desiring greatness is akin to a sinful, hubristic ambition.
In simple terms: Great ambition is a sinful desire.
Key Takeaway
Temper ambition with humility.
Themes
ambition
hubris
morality
Mood
cautionary
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- political power
- artistic pursuit
Key Concepts
classical ethics
pride
Questions to Reflect On
- Is all ambition sinful?
- How to balance drive and humility?
A Different Perspective
Greatness can inspire positive change despite risks.
![“Your dream is a good one. [. . .] The desire that is the very root of life itself: To grow until all the space you can see is part of you, under your control. It's the desire for greatness.” quote by Orson Scott Card](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2a0/orson-scott-card-134_ambition_your-dream-is-a-good-one-the-desire-that_1581636.jpg)
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
