Ambitious Quote by W.B. Yeats
““I turn away and shut the door, and on the stair Wonder how many times I could have proved my worth In something that all others understand or share; But O! ambitious heart, had such a proof drawn forth A company of friends, a conscience set at ease, It had but made us pine the more. The abstract joy, The half-read wisdom of daemonic images, Suffice the ageing man as once the growing boy.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Tower” by W.B. Yeats, 1928
The speaker reflects on the tension between seeking external validation and the deeper, solitary satisfaction of inner growth and imagination.
In simple terms: Balancing external approval with inner fulfillment is essential.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize inner growth over external proof.
Themes
self‑esteem
validation
inner growth
friendship
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- creative projects
- personal crises
- seeking mentorship
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
artistic imagination
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal values guide you more than others’ opinions?
- How can you nurture inner joy without relying on external applause?
A Different Perspective
External validation can become addictive and distract from authentic purpose.
