Ambition Quote by Richard Francis Burton
“The dearest ambition of a slave is not liberty, but to have a slave of his own.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Arabian Nights, 1885
A slave's deepest desire is not freedom but power over another, reflecting a twisted view of autonomy.
In simple terms: Slaves want to own slaves.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how power can corrupt desires.
Themes
power
control
freedom
desire
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- historical analysis
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
colonialism
psychology
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true freedom mean to you?
- How can power be used responsibly?
A Different Perspective
It ignores the moral value of true liberty.
![“I want you to understand that I respect the rights of the poorest and weakest of colored people, oppressed [to deny others their rights or liberty] by the slave system, just as much as I do those of the most wealthy and powerful. That is the idea that has moved me, and that alone.” quote by John Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f0b/john-brown-15897_deny_i-want-you-to-understand-that-i-respect_2400722.jpg)
![“[Shahrazad] had perused the books, annals and legends of preceding Kings, and the stories, examples and instances of by gone men and things; indeed it was said that she had collected a thousand books of histories relating to antique races and departed rulers. She had perused the works of the poets…” quote by Richard Francis Burton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e18/richard-francis-burton-22705_accomplishment_shahrazad-had-perused-the-books-annals-a_1703538.jpg)
