Ambition Quote by Walter Scott
“Well, then--our course is chosen--spread the sail-- Heave oft the lead, and mark the soundings well-- Look to the helm, good master--many a shoal Marks this stern coast, and rocks, where sits the Siren Who, like ambition, lures men to their ruin.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Pirate, by Walter Scott, 1822
A navigator must heed warnings and avoid temptations that can lead to disaster.
In simple terms: Beware alluring dangers that can ruin you.
Key Takeaway
Stay vigilant and follow reliable guidance.
Themes
navigation
temptation
danger
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
poetic
When to use this quote
- Sailing
- career planning
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
maritime lore
psychology of ambition
mythic warning
Questions to Reflect On
- What temptations are you ignoring?
- How do you ensure safe navigation in life?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex motivations.
![“My only supporter and comrade-in-arms was Georg Helm, who had endeavored to formulate an energetic conception of science before me and had presented his results in a treatise [Die Lehre von der Energie] exhibiting great independence of thought. But we were separated by his aversion to a realistic…” quote by Wilhelm Ostwald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e54/wilhelm-ostwald-28861_allies_my-only-supporter-and-comrade-in-arms-wa_142681.jpg)
