Ambition Quote by William Shakespeare
““O God, I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." Which dreams, indeed, are ambition; for the very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of a dream.””
About This Quote
Source Play: Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2 (1603)
He reflects on how ambition is a dream‑like illusion, limited by fear and self‑doubt.
In simple terms: Ambition is a dream that can be limiting.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and manage the shadows of ambition.
Themes
ambition
self‑doubt
illusion
Mood
thoughtful
melancholic
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- career planning
- personal growth
- creative pursuits
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- What dreams limit your actions?
- How can you balance ambition with realism?
A Different Perspective
Ambition can also drive progress despite its shadows.
