Ambition Quote by Terry Eagleton
““It is of our nature to exceed ourselves. Overflowing the mesaure is built into what we are. So, too, is rejoicing in this superabundance for its own sake. Yet too lavish an excess, like too vaulting an ambition, may lead us to overreach ourselves and bring ourselves to nothing. Like Lady Macbeh, one can forget that constraints (the demands of kinship or hospitality, for example) are costitutive of the self, not simply obstacles to its expression.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: “The Limits of Excess” by Terry Eagleton, 2018
Human nature drives us to surpass limits, but unchecked excess can cause self-destruction; constraints shape identity.
In simple terms: We strive beyond limits, yet too much can ruin us;
Key Takeaway
Balance ambition with healthy constraints.
Themes
ambition
excess
self‑knowledge
constraints
identity
Mood
analytical
cautious
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- creative projects
- personal growth
- relationship dynamics
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What constraints have helped you grow?
- When does ambition become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Excess without boundaries can lead to collapse.
