Ambition Quote by John Milton
““Here for his envy, will not drive us hence: Here we may reign secure; and, in my choyce, To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell: Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heav'n.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Paradise Lost, Book I, 1667
A declaration that ruling, even in suffering, is preferable to serving, highlighting ambition and the allure of power despite its costs.
In simple terms: Power is better than servitude, even in hell.
Key Takeaway
Choose agency over subservience.
Themes
ambition
power
freedom
hell
Mood
dramatic
defiant
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership decisions
- career advancement
- personal boundaries
- social movements
Key Concepts
political philosophy
human nature
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Is ambition always justified?
- What are the costs of ruling versus serving?
A Different Perspective
Power can corrupt and trap.
