Ambition Quote by Thomas Merton
“But there is no substance under the things I have gathered together about me. I am hollow, and my structure of pleasures and ambitions has no foundation. I am objectified in them. But they are all destined by their very contingency to be destroyed. And when they are gone there will be nothing left of me but my own nakedness and emptiness and hollowness, to tell me that I am a mistake.”
About This Quote
Source Book: New Seeds of Contemplation, Thomas Merton, 1961
He feels his achievements and desires are empty, lacking true foundation, leading to a sense of personal failure
In simple terms: Empty pursuits, feeling of hollowness
Key Takeaway
Reevaluate what truly matters in life
Themes
existential
spiritual
self‑critique
Mood
somber
introspective
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- career ambition
- material success
- relationship goals
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
nihilism
identity
impermanence
Questions to Reflect On
- What gives your life lasting purpose?
- Can emptiness be a catalyst for growth?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overlook the possibility of finding meaning beyond material foundations
