Ambition Quote by William Shakespeare
“But 'tis common proof, that lowliness is young ambition's ladder, whereto the climber-upward turns his face; but when he once attains the upmost round, he then turns his back, looks in the clouds, scorning the vase defrees by which he did ascend.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Henry IV, Part 2, Act 2, Scene 4
Ambition begins with humility, but once achieved, people often become disdainful of their origins.
In simple terms: Success can make people forget their humble beginnings.
Key Takeaway
Stay grounded despite success.
Themes
ambition
humility
pride
Mood
reflective
cautionary
Type
literary
moral
When to use this quote
- political satire
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Social mobility
personal growth
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you notice this shift in yourself?
- How can humility be preserved?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes all ambition follows this pattern.
