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Ambition Quote by Walter Raleigh

“It is plain there is not in nature a point of stability to be found; everything either ascends or declines; when wars are ended abroad, sedition begins at home; and when men are freed from fighting for necessity, they quarrel through ambition.” quote by Walter Raleigh
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“It is plain there is not in nature a point of stability to be found; everything either ascends or declines; when wars are ended abroad, sedition begins at home; and when men are freed from fighting for necessity, they quarrel through ambition.”

Walter Raleigh

About This Quote

Source Letter: “The Nature of Politics”, 1596

Stability is absent; societies rise and fall, wars end abroad but discord starts at home, and freed people quarrel over ambition.

In simple terms: Change is constant, ambition fuels conflict.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate stability and purpose.

Themes

politics instability ambition

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • post‑war reconstruction
  • community leadership

Key Concepts

social order human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies foster lasting stability?
  • What role does ambition play in peace?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex causes of conflict.

4.5 out of 5 (8 ratings)

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