Ambition Quote by Norman Mailer
“Like all men who are Napoleonic in their ambitionshe has instincts about the nature of growth, a lover's sense of the momentof crisis, and he knewhow costly is defeat when it is not soothed by greater consciousness, and how wasteful is the profit of victory when there is not the courage to employ it.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New American Narrative, 1975
The passage describes a man with Napoleonic ambition, aware of growth, crisis, costly defeat, and the waste of victory without courage to use it.
In simple terms: Ambitious people recognize growth, crisis, and the need for courage to apply success wisely.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate courage to turn victory into meaningful action.
Themes
ambition
growth
crisis
defeat
victory
courage
Mood
thoughtful
critical
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- political strategy
- personal development
- creative projects
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
philosophical insight
human nature
leadership
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure victory serves a greater purpose?
- What role does humility play in ambitious pursuits?
A Different Perspective
Ambition can blind one to humility; victory may be misused without ethical guidance.
