Literary notes about Aspiring (AI summary)
Throughout literature, "aspiring" is employed as a versatile term that encapsulates the human drive to rise above one's current station or condition. At times, it characterizes the noble longing for excellence or transcendence, as when inner souls are depicted as striving even in the midst of unavoidable pain ([1]) or when restless spirits seek varied pursuits in life ([2]). In other texts, it marks overt ambitions—be they scholarly, political, or creative—illustrating both the promise and peril of yearning for heights beyond immediate reach ([3], [4]). Additionally, the term can evoke the tension between lofty ideals and harsh realities, enhancing character depth and thematic richness within the narrative ([5], [6]).
- To be loved for beauty-- A poor disguise that time so soon wears threadbare-- Must be to noble souls--to souls aspiring-- A torture.
— from Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand - His restless and aspiring spirit urged him to try almost every profession of human life.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - Nor have I alone harboured such feelings towards you; there is after me a long train of persons aspiring to the same honour.
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - Instead, these great men are to be considered as setting a standard of success for the emulation of every aspiring youth.
— from Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden - The last three words held all the sadness and the longing of mankind aspiring to be God.
— from The Lani People by Jesse F. Bone - Is it not much to be lords of earth, without aspiring to be peers of heaven?" 'Has it all come to this?
— from Under St Paul's: A Romance by Richard Dowling
