Ambition Quote by William Congreve
“Love's but the frailty of the mind, When 'tis not with ambition joined; A sickly flame, which if not fed expires; And feeding, wastes in self-consuming fires.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Way of the World, 1700
The mind's weakness without ambition leads to a fragile, self‑destructive passion that fades if not nurtured, yet feeding it consumes itself.
In simple terms: Ambition fuels the mind; without it, desire with and self‑destruction follows.
Key Takeaway
Balance ambition with healthy purpose.
Themes
ambition
fragility
self‑destruction
passion
Mood
reflective
cautionary
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- career planning
- creative projects
- personal growth
- relationship dynamics
Key Concepts
Human psychology
motivation
existential risk
Questions to Reflect On
- How does ambition shape your desires?
- When does passion become self‑harmful?
A Different Perspective
Ambition can become toxic if unchecked.
