Literary notes about Ambition (AI summary)
In literature, ambition is portrayed as a complex and multifaceted force that can inspire both noble pursuits and destructive greed. At times, it is depicted as a spark of desire driving characters toward political power, personal glory, or professional success, as seen when ambition propels one to seize high offices or break free from modest beginnings [1, 2, 3]. In other instances, the term conveys a darker shade—equated with avarice and the corrupting influence of power—that undermines personal integrity and leads to downfall [4, 5, 6]. Authors also explore ambition as a reflective, almost ethereal quality, suggesting that its presence can elevate the spirit or, conversely, leave a person bereft of aspiration, much like a snuffed candle [7, 8]. This rich diversity in usage highlights literature’s enduring fascination with ambition as both a motivating ideal and a cautionary force in human life [9, 10].
- The ardor of Damasus and Ursinus, to seize the episcopal seat, surpassed the ordinary measure of human ambition.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - The young man, however, had no intention of restricting his ambition to the modest elevation which his father had attained.
— from The Moors in Spain by Stanley Lane-Poole - i. 50 CHAPTER VI GEORGE CLINTON DEFEATS JOHN JAY 1792-1795 Burr’s rapid advancement gave full rein to his ambition.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - Palestine, and the holy wealth of Jerusalem, were the next objects that attracted the ambition, or rather the avarice, of Chosroes.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - But this honorable connection was soon corrupted by the avarice and ambition of the Romans.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - Strip off the thin disguise of wisdom from self-conceit, of plenty from avarice, and of glory from ambition.
— from History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding - For the time being life was savorless, and ambition had gone out like a snuffed candle.
— from Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery - Yes, this was once Ambition's airy hall, The dome of Thought, the Palace of the Soul.
— from Childe Harold's Pilgrimage by Baron George Gordon Byron Byron - Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.
— from The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton and John Jay and James Madison - The cutting cynicism of the morality was built on the ruins of that chivalrous ambition and romantic affection.
— from Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims by François duc de La Rochefoucauld
