Ambition Quote by Walt Whitman
“Well, every man has a religion; has something in heaven or earth which he will give up everything else for - something which absorbs him - which may be regarded by others as being useless - yet it is his dream, it is his lodestar, it is his master. That, whatever it is, seized upon me, made me its servant, slave - induced me to set aside the other ambitions a trail of glory in the heavens, which I followed, followed with a full heart. ...When once I am convinced, I never let go...”
About This Quote
Source Poetry: Leaves of Grass, 1855
A personal passion can dominate one’s life, becoming a guiding purpose that outweighs other ambitions.
In simple terms: A deep dream can become a life‑guiding purpose.
Key Takeaway
Identify and honor your true calling.
Themes
purpose
devotion
identity
obsession
dreams
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career choice
- artistic pursuit
- spiritual practice
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
existentialism
self‑actualization
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- What dream drives you most?
- How does this devotion affect other areas of your life?
A Different Perspective
It may cause neglect of other responsibilities or relationships.
