Ambition Quote by Niccolò Machiavelli
““It was the verdict of ancient writers that men afflict themselves in evil and weary themselves in the good, and that the same effects result from both of these passions. For whenever men are not obliged to fight from necessity, they fight from ambition; which is so powerful in human breasts, that it never leaves them no matter to what rank they rise. The reason is that nature has so created men that they are able to desire everything but are not able to attain everything: so that the desire being always greater than the acquisition, there results discontent with the possession and little satisfaction to themselves from it. From this arises the changes in their fortunes; for as men desire, some to have more, some in fear of losing their acquisition, there ensues enmity and war, from which results the ruin of that province and the elevation of another.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli, 1532
Human desire exceeds capacity, causing perpetual discontent and conflict, especially when ambition drives actions beyond necessity.
In simple terms: Desire outpaces what we can get, leading to unrest.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of ambition to reduce conflict.
Themes
ambition
desire
conflict
human nature
politics
Mood
reflective
critical
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- personal ambition
- resource competition
- war and peace
- economic inequality
Key Concepts
Machiavellian theory
psychology of desire
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does unchecked ambition affect societies?
- What practices can balance desire and contentment?
A Different Perspective
Ambition can be tempered by ethical constraints and collective responsibility.
