Ambition Quote by Mary Wollstonecraft
““If they told us, that in a pre-existent state the soul was fond of dress, and brought this inclination with it into a new body, I should listen to them with a half smile, as I often do when I hear a rant about innate elegance. But if he only meant to say that the exercise of the faculties will produce this fondness, I deny it. It is not natural; but arises, like false ambition in men, from a love of power.””
About This Quote
Source Philosophical essay: On the Nature of the Soul, 1792, null
Claims of innate elegance are rejected; elegance arises from power‑driven ambition, not nature.
In simple terms: Elegance is learned, not innate.
Key Takeaway
Question assumed natural traits.
Themes
philosophy
human nature
ego
ambition
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- leadership
- personal development
Key Concepts
social constructs
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you attribute your habits to nature or choice?
- How does power influence perceived elegance?
A Different Perspective
Assuming natural traits can mislead self‑understanding.
![“I wish to show that elegance is inferior to virtue, that the first object of laudable ambition is to obtain a character as a human being, regardless of the distinction of sex [...]” quote by Mary Wollstonecraft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/445/mary-wollstonecraft-1568_ambition_i-wish-to-show-that-elegance-is-inferior_130145.jpg)
![“If children are to be educated to understand the true principle of patriotism, their mother must be a patriot [...]” quote by Mary Wollstonecraft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f78/mary-wollstonecraft-1568_children_if-children-are-to-be-educated-to-unders_78752.jpg)
