Ambition Quote by L. Frank Baum
“A curious thing about Ugu the Shoemaker was that he didn't suspect in the least that he was wicked. He wanted to be powerful and great, and he hoped to make himself master of all the Land of Oz that he might compel everyone in that fairy country to obey him, His ambition blinded him to the rights of others, and he imagined anyone else would act just as he did if anyone else happened to be as clever as himself.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum, 1904
Ugu’s ambition makes him ignore others’ rights, assuming everyone would act similarly if equally clever.
In simple terms: Ambition blinds him to others’ rights.
Key Takeaway
Beware hubris that justifies exploitation.
Themes
ambition
power
ethics
blindness
Mood
cautionary
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- corporate governance
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
psychology
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you check your own ambitions against others’ rights?
- What safeguards prevent power from corrupting intent?
A Different Perspective
Assuming others share one’s motives can cause injustice.
