Ambition Quote by Joseph Conrad
““She had said he had been driven away from her by a dream,--and there was no answer one could make her--there seemed to be no forgiveness for such a transgression. And yet is not mankind itself, pushing on its blind way, driven by a dream of its greatness and its power upon the dark paths of excessive cruelty and of excessive devotion. And what is the pursuit of truth, after all?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad, 1907
Human ambition, driven by lofty dreams, often leads to cruelty and blind devotion, questioning the true nature of truth.
In simple terms: Great dreams can cause harm and blind devotion.
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind grand pursuits.
Themes
ambition
truth
human nature
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- political movements
- scientific breakthroughs
- religious zealotry
- personal idealism
Key Concepts
philosophy
existentialism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What dreams have you pursued that caused unintended harm?
- Can truth exist without sacrifice?
A Different Perspective
Idealism may ignore practical consequences.
