Ambition Quote by William Law
“All the wants which disturb human life, which make us uneasy to ourselves, quarrelsome with others, and unthankful to God, which weary us in vain labors and foolish anxieties, which carry us from project to project, from place to place in a poor pursuit of we don't know what, are the wants which neither God, nor nature, nor reason hath subjected us to, but are solely infused into us by pride, envy, ambition, and covetousness.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Spirit of the Laws, 1720
Human desires driven by pride and envy cause unrest, conflict, and futile effort, diverting us from true purpose.
In simple terms: Pride‑driven wants create anxiety and conflict.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate humility and gratitude.
Themes
humility
gratitude
inner peace
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- spiritual practice
- stress management
Key Concepts
Pride
envy
ambition
covetousness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you recognize and redirect pride‑based wants?
- What practices foster gratitude over envy?
A Different Perspective
Such desires can also motivate achievement if channeled wisely.
