Ambition Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“When virtue is banished, ambition invades the minds of those who are disposed to receive it, and avarice possesses the whole community. The objects of their desires are changed; what they were fond of before has become indifferent; they were free while under the restraint of laws, but they would fain now be free to act against law.”
About This Quote
Source Writings: Letters to John Adams, 1790
When moral standards collapse, selfish ambition spreads, corrupting society and turning law into a personal desire.
In simple terms: Loss of virtue leads to selfish ambition and lawlessness.
Key Takeaway
Guard virtue, resist selfish ambition.
Themes
morality
politics
corruption
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- community leadership
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
virtue
ambition
law
societal decay
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a society protect virtue?
- What role do laws play in curbing ambition?
A Different Perspective
Ambition may be justified as personal freedom.
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