Ambition Quote by John W. Davis
“In the heart of every lawyer, worthy of the name, there burns a deep ambition so to bear himself that the profession may be stronger by reason of his passage through its ranks, and that he may leave the law itself a better instrument of human justice than he found it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Legal Conference, Early 20th century
A lawyer should be driven by ambition to improve the profession and leave a lasting, just legacy.
In simple terms: Lawyers should aim to better the law.
Key Takeaway
Pursue excellence and reform in your career.
Themes
justice
ambition
professionalism
legacy
Mood
determined
inspirational
Type
ethical
motivational
When to use this quote
- courtroom advocacy
- law school mentorship
- policy drafting
Key Concepts
ethical responsibility
institutional reform
Questions to Reflect On
- What reforms can you champion?
- How do you balance ambition with integrity?
A Different Perspective
Ambition may clash with personal ethics.
![“True, we [lawyers] build no bridges. We raise no towers. We construct no engines. We paint no pictures—unless as amateurs for our own principal amusement. There is little of all that we do which the eye of man can see. But we smooth out difficulties; we relieve stress; we correct mistakes; we take…” quote by John W. Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4ef/john-w-davis-32194_amusement_true-we-lawyers-build-no-bridges-we-rais_2415091.jpg)
