--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I say that ambition is absurd, and yet I…" description: "\"“I say that ambition is absurd, and yet I remain in its thrall. It’s like being a slave all your life, then learning one day that you never had a maste..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2a5/tom-rachman-8194_absurd_i-say-that-ambition-is-absurd-and-yet-i_1566530.jpg" --- # I say that ambition is absurd, and yet I remain in its… ![“I say that ambition is absurd, and yet I remain in its thrall. It’s like being a slave all your life, then learning one day that you never had a master, and returning to work all the same.” quote by Tom Rachman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2a5/tom-rachman-8194_absurd_i-say-that-ambition-is-absurd-and-yet-i_1566530.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2a5/tom-rachman-8194_absurd_i-say-that-ambition-is-absurd-and-yet-i_1566530.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2a5/tom-rachman-8194_absurd_i-say-that-ambition-is-absurd-and-yet-i_1566530.jpg) > ““I say that ambition is absurd, and yet I remain in its thrall. It’s like being a slave all your life, then learning one day that you never had a master, and returning to work all the same.”” [Tom Rachman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-rachman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He critiques ambition as a lifelong servitude, realizing we often lack true masters yet continue to work. **In simple terms:** Ambition feels like slavery without a master. Key Takeaway Reevaluate your motivations. Themes ambition freedom existential Mood contemplative serious Type philosophical reflective When to use this quote - career planning - creative pursuits - life purpose - burnout prevention Key Concepts philosophy psychology of work Questions to Reflect On - What drives your ambition? - Can you find meaning beyond work? A Different Perspective Ambition can lead to burnout if unchecked. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Absurd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/absurd/) [Ambition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ambition/) [Ambition Absurd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ambition-absurd-5888303/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Like Slave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/like-slave-608253/) [Motivation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/motivation/) [Say Ambition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/say-ambition-2903471/) ## Related quotes > [My parents were both born in 1930. They grew up during the Depression. 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