Ambition Quote by William Shakespeare
““Ill-weaved ambition, how much art thou shrunk! When that this body did contain a spirit a kingdom for it was to small a bound. But now two paces of the vilest earth are room enough””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Tempest, Act 5, Scene 1
The speaker laments that ambition, once vast, is now constrained by physical limits, feeling the world is too small for the spirit's aspirations.
In simple terms: Ambition feels limited by reality.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and adapt ambitions to realistic bounds.
Themes
ambition
limitations
spiritual yearning
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- personal growth
- creative projects
Key Concepts
existential
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you channel ambition constructively?
- What limits are self‑imposed?
A Different Perspective
Ambition may be necessary for progress despite constraints.
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