# Quotes about ambition

- Quotes: 126
- Authors: 94
- Broader topic: [Quotes about desire](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/desire.md)
- Topic page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition
- JSON version (same data): https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.json

## Quotes

> And fired his soul with love of fame that was to be.

[Virgil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil.md) · [The Aeneid](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/and-fired-his.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [fame](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fame.md)

> A greater history opens before my eyes,
>
> A greater task awaits me.

[Virgil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil.md) · [The Aeneid](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/a-greater-history.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> I must essay a path whereby I, too, may rise from earth and fly victorious on the lips of men.

[Virgil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil.md) · [The Georgics](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-georgics.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-georgics/i-must-essay.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [fame](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fame.md)

> So ambitious men, if they find the way open for their rising, and still get forward, they are rather busy than dangerous; but if they be checked in their desires, they become secretly discontent, and look upon men and matters with an evil eye, and are best pleased, when things go backward.

[Francis Bacon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon.md) · [The Essays](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays/so-ambitious-men.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> I thought that a man must be a fool to sacrifice such good fortune to ambitious plans, slow, difficult, and uncertain of fulfilment, which, even supposing them to be someday realised, in spite of all their brilliancy, were not worth a quarter of an hour of real pleasure and youthful freedom.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Confessions](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/confessions.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/confessions/i-thought-that.md)

Topics: [happiness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/happiness.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> For James, there was no sense that expanding Tesco’s sales onto the web was what the human race urgently needed. It didn’t have to be. This was a ladder. And yet: he’d come first in the most prestigious course at the most famous university in the world, and he was sitting here in his boxers copying and pasting the item code for ironing boards. It didn’t feel as if he were ascending to greatness.

[Alexander Starritt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexander-starritt.md) · [Drayton and Mackenzie](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexander-starritt/drayton-and-mackenzie.md) · p. 47 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexander-starritt/drayton-and-mackenzie/for-james-there.md)

Topics: [work](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/work.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> He'd looked at its ramshackle organisation, such as it was, with the eye of a lifelong salesman. There seemed nowhere in it for him, but this wasn't a problem. There was always room at the top. (p. 53)

[Terry Pratchett](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett.md) · [Moving Pictures](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/moving-pictures.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/moving-pictures/hed-looked-at-its.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> "Ambition, Rose. It squeezes us into corners and turns out ugly shapes."

[Tim Winton](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tim-winton.md) · [Cloudstreet](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tim-winton/cloudstreet.md) · p. 293 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tim-winton/cloudstreet/ambition-rose-it-squeezes.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> But this was the eighteenth century, when life was cheap and ambition unlimited.

[Ben Aaronovitch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch.md) · [Amongst Our Weapons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch/amongst-our-weapons.md) · p. 68 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch/amongst-our-weapons/but-this-was.md)

Topics: [history](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/history.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Is that what it takes to go all the way in politics? Ambition first, everything else back in the pack?
>
> And if it is, would any sane human want to have what it takes?

[Charles Sheffield](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield.md) · [Aftermath](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield/aftermath.md) · p. 493 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-sheffield/aftermath/is-that-what.md)

Topics: [politics](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/politics.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> When you come to analyze the love of money which was the general impulse to effort in your day, you find that the dread of want and desire of luxury was but one of several motives which the pursuit of money represented; the others, and with many the more influential, being desire of power, of social position, and reputation for ability and success.

[Edward Bellamy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edward-bellamy.md) · [Looking Backward](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edward-bellamy/looking-backward.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edward-bellamy/looking-backward/when-you-come.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [money](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/money.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Ambition is often—and often purposefully—misidentified with the desire for power, and damned with faint praise, and denigrated, and punished. And ambition is sometimes exactly that wish for undue influence on others. But there is a crucial difference between sometimes and always. Authority is not mere power, and it is extremely unhelpful, even dangerous, to confuse the two. When people exert power over others, they compel them, forcefully. They apply the threat of privation or punishment so their subordinates have little choice but to act in a manner contrary to their personal needs, desires, and values. When people wield authority, by contrast, they do so because of their competence—a competence that is spontaneously recognized and appreciated by others, and generally followed willingly, with a certain relief, and with the sense that justice is being served.

[Jordan B. Peterson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jordan-b-peterson.md) · [Beyond Order](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jordan-b-peterson/beyond-order.md) · p. 26 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jordan-b-peterson/beyond-order/ambition-is-often-and.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Good is the enemy of great. That good is the enemy of great is not just a business problem. It is a human problem

[James C. Collins](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-c-collins.md) · [Good to Great and the Social Sectors](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-c-collins/good-to-great-and-the-social-sectors.md) · p. 99 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-c-collins/good-to-great-and-the-social-sectors/good-is-the.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [perfection](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/perfection.md)

> Man cannot live on charm alone, and an ambitious man cannot live on anything less than wealth, good social connections and substantial political influence.

[Susan Howatch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/susan-howatch.md) · [The Wheel Of Fortune](https://www.leafyquotes.com/susan-howatch/the-wheel-of-fortune.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/susan-howatch/the-wheel-of-fortune/man-cannot-live.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Boredom on social occasions is an inescapable hazard for the over-educated, and for the over-ambitious it must be endured.

[Susan Howatch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/susan-howatch.md) · [The Wheel Of Fortune](https://www.leafyquotes.com/susan-howatch/the-wheel-of-fortune.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/susan-howatch/the-wheel-of-fortune/boredom-on-social.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [boredom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/boredom.md)

> “You don’t quench ambition by feeding it any more than you quench a fire the same way,” said Cletus. “To an ambitious man, what he already has is nothing. It’s what he doesn’t have that counts.”

[Gordon R. Dickson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gordon-r-dickson.md) · [Tactics of Mistake](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gordon-r-dickson/tactics-of-mistake.md) · p. 280 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gordon-r-dickson/tactics-of-mistake/you-dont-quench.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Human aspiration is often blind, its motto: I want, therefore I will have.

[Tanith Lee](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tanith-lee.md) · [Delusion’s Master](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tanith-lee/delusions-master.md) · p. 115 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tanith-lee/delusions-master/human-aspiration-is-often.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [greed](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/greed.md)

> Is the only challenge in the world to be greed and viciousness? Is the only satisfying power the power of the ascent over men, the only dream, ambition? And must the alternative to greed, evil, ambition—be only sluggishness?

[Tanith Lee](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tanith-lee.md) · [Delirium’s Mistress](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tanith-lee/deliriums-mistress.md) · p. 81 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tanith-lee/deliriums-mistress/is-the-only.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [greed](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/greed.md)

> Within, in the lowest region of her soul and mind, unknown to herself, she was still a small voice crying for another glory to salve her hurts. She must better the best, none must withstand her, she must conquer what others dare not face, drink seas and trample mountains. She would never rest till death, the last battle, made mockery of all her victories.

[Tanith Lee](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tanith-lee.md) · [Night’s Master](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tanith-lee/nights-master.md) · p. 115 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tanith-lee/nights-master/within-in-the.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Do not aim low, you will miss the mark. Aim high and you will be on a threshold of bliss.

[B.K.S. Iyengar](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bks-iyengar.md) · [Light on Life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bks-iyengar/light-on-life.md) · p. 177 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bks-iyengar/light-on-life/do-not-aim.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Ambitious men never believe others aren’t the same.

[Tad Williams](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams.md) · [The Dragonbone Chair](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams/the-dragonbone-chair.md) · p. 484 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tad-williams/the-dragonbone-chair/ambitious-men-never.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Everybody wants to be somebody but nobody wants to be just anybody.

[Pat Cadigan](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pat-cadigan.md) · [Mindplayers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pat-cadigan/mindplayers.md) · p. 13 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pat-cadigan/mindplayers/everybody-wants-to-be-somebody.md)

Topics: [identity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/identity.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> I am ambitious, but it's a long-range thing with me. I have my confidential sights on a star, but there's half a lifetime to get to it. Meanwhile I keep my eyes open and am well dressed.

[Grace Paley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/grace-paley.md) · [The Little Disturbances of Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/grace-paley/the-little-disturbances-of-man.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/grace-paley/the-little-disturbances-of-man/i-am-ambitious.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> As part of this experiment we must not only accept human nature but work with what we have to make it productive. We inevitably feel the need for status and recognition, so let’s not deny it. Instead, let’s cultivate such status and recognition through our excellent work. We must accept our need to belong to the group and prove our loyalty, but let’s do it in more positive ways—by questioning group decisions that will harm it in the long run, by supplying divergent opinions, by steering the group in a more rational direction, gently and strategically.

[Robert Greene](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-greene.md) · [The Laws of Human Nature](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-greene/the-laws-of-human-nature.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-greene/the-laws-of-human-nature/as-part-of-this.md)

Topics: [work](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/work.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Some had been heroes, some weaklings, knaves, or cravens. Most were only men—quicker and stronger than most, more skilled with sword and shield, but still prey to pride, ambition, lust, love, anger, jealousy, greed for gold, hunger for power, and all the other failings that afflicted lesser mortals. The best of them overcame their flaws, did their duty, and died with their swords in their hands. The worst...
>
> The worst were those who played the game of thrones.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Dance with Dragons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons/some-had-been.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [pride](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/pride.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Only a craven would steal a fruit when he could take the orchard.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Feast for Crows](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-feast-for-crows.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-feast-for-crows/only-a-craven.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> It is real, all of it, he thought, the wars, the intrigues, the great bloody game, and me in the center of it ... me, the dwarf, the monster, the one they scorned and laughed at, but now I hold it all, the city, the girl. This was what I was made for, and gods forgive me, but I love it.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Clash of Kings](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-clash-of-kings.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-clash-of-kings/it-is-real.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Give me honorable enemies rather than ambitious ones, and I'll sleep more easily by night.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Game of Thrones: The Illustrated Edition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-game-of-thrones-the-illustrated-edition.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-game-of-thrones-the-illustrated-edition/give-me-honorable.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [honour](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/honour.md), [enemies](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/enemies.md)

> I swear to you, I was never so alive as when I was winning this throne, or so dead as now that I've won it.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Game of Thrones: The Illustrated Edition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-game-of-thrones-the-illustrated-edition.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-game-of-thrones-the-illustrated-edition/i-swear-to-you.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Gravestones, he knew, were educational media, teaching that life has limits: don’t set your sights too high.

[James Morrow](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-morrow.md) · [This Is the Way the World Ends](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-morrow/this-is-the-way-the-world-ends.md) · p. 14 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-morrow/this-is-the-way-the-world-ends/gravestones-he-knew.md)

Topics: [death](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/death.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Most of us find it starkly ludicrous that the height of all possible ambition, to the ungifted, must be to drape oneself in crowns and robes.

[Scott Lynch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/scott-lynch.md) · [The Republic of Thieves](https://www.leafyquotes.com/scott-lynch/the-republic-of-thieves.md) · p. 191 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/scott-lynch/the-republic-of-thieves/most-of-us-find.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> In reality, the likelihood of reaching the pinnacle of capitalist society today is only marginally better than were the chances of being accepted into the French nobility four centuries ago, though at least an aristocratic age was franker, and therefore kinder, about the odds. It did not relentlessly play up the possibilities open to all, … and so, in turn, did not cruelly equate an ordinary life with a failed one.

[Alain de Botton](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alain-de-botton.md) · [The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alain-de-botton/the-pleasures-and-sorrows-of-work.md) · p. 278 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alain-de-botton/the-pleasures-and-sorrows-of-work/in-reality-the.md)

Topics: [success and failure](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/success-and-failure.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> I was on top of the mountain. But there was nothing there. Just clouds. And I found that you can't live on that mountain. But when it throws you off — oh, how you long for it! I would kill to climb it again. I would sell my soul. It is so stupid. [...] I took the standard. And now I can't even become a farmer again. The mountain won't let me.

[David Gemmell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell.md) · [Quest for Lost Heroes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell/quest-for-lost-heroes.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell/quest-for-lost-heroes/i-was-on-top.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [fame](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fame.md)

> Remember: I didn’t and don’t want to be a “feminine” version or a diluted version or a special version or a subsidiary version or an ancillary version, or an adapted version of the heroes I admire. I want to be the heroes themselves.
>
> What future is there for a female child who aspires to being Humphrey Bogart?

[Joanna Russ](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joanna-russ.md) · [The Female Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joanna-russ/the-female-man.md) · p. 206 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joanna-russ/the-female-man/remember-i-didnt.md)

Topics: [women](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/women.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> For we pay a price for everything we get or take in this world; and although ambitions are well worth having, they are not to be cheaply won, but exact their dues of work and self-denial, anxiety and discouragement.

[Lucy Maud Montgomery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lucy-maud-montgomery.md) · [Anne of Green Gables](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lucy-maud-montgomery/anne-of-green-gables.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lucy-maud-montgomery/anne-of-green-gables/for-we-pay.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [effort](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/effort.md)

> One could not always put safety up front as the prime goal. Do that, and who would ever achieve anything of note?

[Jack Mcdevitt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-mcdevitt.md) · [Chindi](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-mcdevitt/chindi.md) · p. 191 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-mcdevitt/chindi/one-could-not.md)

Topics: [courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Pioneering is an unlimited chance to become the biggest frog, provided the puddle is small enough.

[Poul Anderson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson.md) · [The Enemy Stars](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson/the-enemy-stars.md) · p. 31 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson/the-enemy-stars/pioneering-is-an-unlimited.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> I will become a firefly and even in the day my glow will be seen in spite of the sun. Let others be as butterflies who preen their wings and yet depend upon the charity of a flower for life. I will be as the firefly and my light will brighten the world.

[Og Mandino](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino.md) · [The Greatest Salesman in the World](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino/the-greatest-salesman-in-the-world.md) · p. 94 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino/the-greatest-salesman-in-the-world/i-will-become.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> I will commit not the terrible crime of aiming too low. I will do the work that a failure will not do. I will always let my reach exceed my grasp.

[Og Mandino](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino.md) · [The Greatest Salesman in the World](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino/the-greatest-salesman-in-the-world.md) · p. 91 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino/the-greatest-salesman-in-the-world/i-will-commit.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> I don’t usually talk much about this, Chester, because my grandfather dinned it into me as a child that it doesn’t make any difference who you’re descended from unless you can do something yourself to match what your ancestors did to gain their own notoriety.

[John Brunner](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-brunner.md) · [Timescoop](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-brunner/timescoop.md) · p. 18 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-brunner/timescoop/i-dont-usually.md)

Topics: [family](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/family.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> “When I was a child I dreamed of adventure, glory, honor in feats of arms. I think now that these things are shadows.”
>
> “If you see them as shadows then you see them for what they are,” Annlaw agreed. “Many have pursued honor, and in the pursuit lost more of it than ever they could gain.”

[Lloyd Alexander](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lloyd-alexander.md) · [Taran Wanderer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lloyd-alexander/taran-wanderer.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lloyd-alexander/taran-wanderer/when-i-was.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [honour](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/honour.md)

> Most of us are called on to perform tasks far beyond what we believe we can do. Our capabilities seldom match our aspirations, and we are often woefully unprepared. To this extent, we are all Assistant Pig-Keepers at heart.

[Lloyd Alexander](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lloyd-alexander.md) · [The Book of Three](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lloyd-alexander/the-book-of-three.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lloyd-alexander/the-book-of-three/most-of-us-are.md)

Topics: [courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Life is futile unless it be directed towards a definite goal.

[Stefan Zweig](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stefan-zweig.md) · [Twenty-Four Hours in the Life of a Woman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stefan-zweig/twenty-four-hours-in-the-life-of-a-woman.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stefan-zweig/twenty-four-hours-in-the-life-of-a-woman/life-is-futile.md)

Topics: [meaning of life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/meaning-of-life.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Few people take objectives really seriously. They put average effort into too many things, rather than superior thought and effort into a few important things. People who achieve the most are selective as well as determined.

[Richard Koch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-koch.md) · [The 80/20 Principle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-koch/the-8020-principle.md) · p. 142 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-koch/the-8020-principle/few-people-take.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [effort](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/effort.md)

> Everything you want should be yours: the type of work you want; the relationships you need; the social, mental, and aesthetic stimulation that will make you happy and fulfilled; the money you require for the lifestyle that is appropriate to you; and any requirement that you may (or may not) have for achievement or service to others. If you don’t aim for it all, you’ll never get it all. To aim for it requires that you know what you want

[Richard Koch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-koch.md) · [The 80/20 Principle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-koch/the-8020-principle.md) · p. 164 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-koch/the-8020-principle/everything-you-want.md)

Topics: [dreams and aspirations](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/dreams-and-aspirations.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> To sum up: Enjoyment of what you are doing, combined with a goal or vision that you work toward, becomes enthusiasm. Even though you have a goal, what you are doing in the present moment needs to remain the focal point of your attention; otherwise, you will fall out of alignment with universal purpose. Make sure your vision or goal is not an inflated image of yourself and therefore a concealed form of ego, such as wanting to become a movie star, a famous writer, or a wealthy entrepreneur. Also make sure your goal is not focused on having this or that, such as a mansion by the sea, your own company, or ten million dollars in the bank. An enlarged image of yourself or a vision of yourself having this or that are all static goals and therefore don't empower you. Instead, make sure your goals are dynamic, that is to say, point toward an activity that you are engaged in and through which you are connected to other human beings as well as to the whole. Instead of seeing yourself as a famous actor and writer and so on, see yourself inspiring countless people with your work and enriching their lives. Feel how that activity enriches or deepens not only your life but that of countless others. Feel yourself being an opening through which energy flows from the unmanifested Source of all life through you for the benefit of all.

[Eckhart Tolle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eckhart-tolle.md) · [A New Earth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eckhart-tolle/a-new-earth.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eckhart-tolle/a-new-earth/to-sum-up-enjoyment.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [ego](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ego.md), [enthusiasm](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/enthusiasm.md)

> After all, what is there in vain ambition? King or slave, we all must die, and when death knocks at our door, will it matter whether our life has been great or small, fast or slow, so long as it has been true--true with the truth that will bring rest to the soul?

[Miles Franklin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miles-franklin.md) · [My Brilliant Career](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miles-franklin/my-brilliant-career.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miles-franklin/my-brilliant-career/after-all-what.md)

Topics: [death](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/death.md), [truth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/truth.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> If you want to build a major firm, you cannot do it by having a modest vision.

[Sir Ronald Cohen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sir-ronald-cohen.md) · [The Second Bounce Of The Ball](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sir-ronald-cohen/the-second-bounce-of-the-ball.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sir-ronald-cohen/the-second-bounce-of-the-ball/if-you-want.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [business](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/business.md)

> Success did not thrill him in the least. He regarded a success merely as a convenient platform from which to plan a further advance.

[Nevil Shute](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nevil-shute.md) · [No Highway](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nevil-shute/no-highway.md) · p. 264 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nevil-shute/no-highway/success-did-not.md)

Topics: [success and failure](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/success-and-failure.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> A youthful mind is seldom totally free from ambition; to curb that, is the first step to contentment, since to diminish expectation is to increase enjoyment.

[Frances Burney](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frances-burney.md) · [Evelina](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frances-burney/evelina.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frances-burney/evelina/a-youthful-mind.md)

Topics: [happiness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/happiness.md), [youth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/youth.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Like all young men I set out to be a genius, but mercifully laughter intervened.

[Lawrence Durrell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lawrence-durrell.md) · [Clea](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lawrence-durrell/clea.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lawrence-durrell/clea/like-all-young.md)

Topics: [youth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/youth.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [laughter](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/laughter.md)

> People with happy childhoods never overdo; they don't strive or exert themselves. They're moderate, pleasant, well liked, and good citizens. Society needs them. But the tremendous drive and dedication necessary to succeed in any field- not only show business- often seems to be rooted in a disturbed childhood. I wasn't an unloved or an unwanted child, but I was moved around a lot, and then death and cruel circumstances brought many painful separations.

[Lucille Ball](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lucille-ball.md) · [Love, Lucy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lucille-ball/love-lucy.md) · p. 21 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lucille-ball/love-lucy/people-with-happy.md)

Topics: [childhood](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/childhood.md), [success and failure](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/success-and-failure.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> My friends are appeased to stay in Odessa for their entire lives. They are appeased to age like their parents, and become parents like their parents. They do not desire anything more than everything they have known.

[Jonathan Safran Foer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jonathan-safran-foer.md) · [Everything is Illuminated](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jonathan-safran-foer/everything-is-illuminated.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jonathan-safran-foer/everything-is-illuminated/my-friends-are.md)

Topics: [conformity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conformity.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Privilege is a regulation rendering a few men, and those only, by the accident of their birth, eligible to certain situations. It kills all liberal ambition in the rest of mankind, by opposing to it an apparently insurmountable bar. It diminishes it in the favored class itself, by showing them the principal qualification as indefeasibly theirs. Privilege entitles a favored few to engross to themselves gratifications which the system of the universe left at large to all her sons; it puts into the hands of those few the means of oppression against the rest of their species; it fill them witth vain-glory, and affords them every incitement to insolence and a lofty disregard to the feeling and interests of others.

[William Godwin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-godwin.md) · [Enquiry Concerning Political Justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-godwin/enquiry-concerning-political-justice.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-godwin/enquiry-concerning-political-justice/privilege-is-a-regulation.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Monte Cristo had seen enough. Every man has a devouring passion in his heart, as every fruit has its worm; that of the telegraph man was horticulture. He began gathering the grape-leaves which screened the sun from the grapes, and won the heart of the gardener. "Did you come here, sir, to see the telegraph?" he said.
>
> "Yes, if it isn't contrary to the rules."
>
> "Oh, no," said the gardener; "not in the least, since there is no danger that anyone can possibly understand what we are saying."
>
> "I have been told," said the count, "that you do not always yourselves understand the signals you repeat."
>
> "That is true, sir, and that is what I like best," said the man, smiling.
>
> "Why do you like that best?"
>
> "Because then I have no responsibility. I am a machine then, and nothing else, and so long as I work, nothing more is required of me."
>
> "Is it possible," said Monte Cristo to himself, "that I can have met with a man that has no ambition? That would spoil my plans."

[Alexandre Dumas](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexandre-dumas.md) · [The Count of Monte Cristo](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexandre-dumas/the-count-of-monte-cristo.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexandre-dumas/the-count-of-monte-cristo/monte-cristo-had.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [passion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/passion-2.md)

> Egoism is suicide. The egoist withers like a solitary barren tree; but pride, ambition, as the active effort after perfection, is the source of all that is great ... Yes! a man must prune away the stubborn egoism of his personality to give it the right of self-expression.

[Ivan Turgenev](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ivan-turgenev.md) · [Rudin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ivan-turgenev/rudin.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ivan-turgenev/rudin/egoism-is-suicide.md)

Topics: [selfishness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/selfishness.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Lord Asriel is just a man, with human power, no more than that. But his ambition is limitless. He dares to do what men and women don't even dare to think.

[Philip Pullman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/philip-pullman.md) · [The Subtle Knife: His Dark Materials 2](https://www.leafyquotes.com/philip-pullman/the-subtle-knife-his-dark-materials-2.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/philip-pullman/the-subtle-knife-his-dark-materials-2/lord-asriel-is-just.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Alas! It is well written, "The road to eminence lies through the cheap and exceedingly uninviting eating-houses."

[Ernest Bramah](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ernest-bramah.md) · [The Wallet of Kai Lung](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ernest-bramah/the-wallet-of-kai-lung.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ernest-bramah/the-wallet-of-kai-lung/alas-it-is-well.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> He loved them deeply, but sometimes love becomes a power game between the ambitions that parents have for their children and the ambitions that children have for themselves. (p66)

[Witi Ihimaera](https://www.leafyquotes.com/witi-ihimaera.md) · [The Whale Rider](https://www.leafyquotes.com/witi-ihimaera/the-whale-rider.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/witi-ihimaera/the-whale-rider/he-loved-them.md)

Topics: [children](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/children.md), [parents](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/parents.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> In grammar school—and as new to American history as to the American tongue—I nevertheless puzzled through several junior biographies of Franklin because young Ben’s ambition magnified my own. I kept lists in those years of the books I read. I recognized the yearning to escape the limits of family—“a strong inclination for the sea”—as well as some more vertical yearning: a boy becomes a man by gaining wisdom; each book a rung therefore; each rung a classical tag. I weighed the shame of the sordid candle shop where Franklin was forced to work for his father against the optimism of old New England.

[Richard Rodriguez](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-rodriguez.md) · [Brown](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-rodriguez/brown.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-rodriguez/brown/in-grammar-school-and.md)

Topics: [reading](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/reading.md), [childhood](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/childhood.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> "You can win the rat race but you're still a rat."

[Banksy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/banksy.md) · [Wall and Piece](https://www.leafyquotes.com/banksy/wall-and-piece.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/banksy/wall-and-piece/you-can-win.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [work](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/work.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> An intelligent woman herself, the Duchess had overestimated the Marshal’s intelligence. Not an ambitious woman, she had underestimated his ambition. So are many misread by other’s lights.

[Sheri S. Tepper](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper.md) · [Singer From The Sea](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/singer-from-the-sea.md) · p. 174 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/singer-from-the-sea/an-intelligent-woman.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [judging others](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/judging-others.md)

> I’ll tell you, nothing is so dangerous as ambition in a man who cares not who stands in his way.

[Sheri S. Tepper](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper.md) · [The Flight of Mavin Manyshaped](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/the-flight-of-mavin-manyshaped.md) · p. 48 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/the-flight-of-mavin-manyshaped/ill-tell-you.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> To want to be ahead, and to celebrate and mythify this endeavor, is indeed one of the most powerful impulses of modernity itself.

[Amitav Ghosh](https://www.leafyquotes.com/amitav-ghosh.md) · [The Great Derangement: From bestselling author and winner of the 2018 Jnanpith Award](https://www.leafyquotes.com/amitav-ghosh/the-great-derangement-from-bestselling-author-and-winner-of-the-2018-jnanpith-award.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/amitav-ghosh/the-great-derangement-from-bestselling-author-and-winner-of-the-2018-jnanpith-award/to-want-to-be-ahead.md)

Topics: [change](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/change.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> This magnificent butterfly finds a little heap of dirt and sits still on it; but man he will never on his heap of mud keep still.

[Joseph Conrad](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad.md) · [Lord Jim](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad/lord-jim.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad/lord-jim/this-magnificent-butterfly.md)

Topics: [human nature](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/human-nature.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> The collective is the object of all idolatry, this it is which chains us to the earth. In the case of avarice: gold is of the social order. In the case of ambition: power is of the social order. Science and art are full of the social element also. And love? Love is more or less of an exception: that is why we can go to God through love, not through avarice and ambition.

[Simone Weil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-weil.md) · [Simone Weil: An Anthology](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-weil/simone-weil-an-anthology.md) · p. 121 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-weil/simone-weil-an-anthology/the-collective-is-the.md)

Topics: [love](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/love.md), [god](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/god.md), [society](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/society.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [greed](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/greed.md)

> Hunters for gold or pursuers of fame, they all had gone out on that stream, bearing the sword, and often the torch, messengers of the might within the land, bearers of a spark from the sacred fire. What greatness had not floated on the ebb of that river into the mystery of an unknown earth! . . . The dreams of men, the seed of commonwealths, the germs of empires.

[Joseph Conrad](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad.md) · [Heart of Darkness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad/heart-of-darkness.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad/heart-of-darkness/hunters-for-gold.md)

Topics: [history](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/history.md), [dreams and aspirations](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/dreams-and-aspirations.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> To desire is to obtain; to aspire is to, achieve. Shall man's basest desires receive the fullest measure of gratification, and his purest aspirations starve for lack of sustenance? Such is not the Law: such a condition of things can never obtain: "ask and receive."
>
> Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your Vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your Ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.

[James Allen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-allen.md) · [As a Man Thinketh](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-allen/as-a-man-thinketh.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-allen/as-a-man-thinketh/to-desire-is-to-obtain.md)

Topics: [dreams and aspirations](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/dreams-and-aspirations.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Your circumstances may be uncongenial, but they shall not long remain so if you but perceive an Ideal and strive to reach it. You cannot travel within and stand still without. Here is a youth hard pressed by poverty and labor; confined long hours in an unhealthy workshop; unschooled, and lacking all the arts of refinement. But he dreams of better things; he thinks of intelligence, of refinement, of grace and beauty. He conceives of, mentally builds up, an ideal condition of life; the vision of a wider liberty and a larger scope takes possession of him; unrest urges him to action, and he utilizes all his spare time and means, small though they are, to the development of his latent powers and resources.
>
> Very soon so altered has his mind become that the workshop can no longer hold him. It has become so out of harmony with his mentality that it falls out of his life as a garment is cast aside, and, with the growth of opportunities which fit the scope of his expanding powers, he passes out of it forever.

[James Allen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-allen.md) · [As a Man Thinketh](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-allen/as-a-man-thinketh.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-allen/as-a-man-thinketh/your-circumstances-may.md)

Topics: [dreams and aspirations](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/dreams-and-aspirations.md), [poverty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/poverty.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Let us recollect that peace or war will not always be left to our option; that however moderate or unambitious we may be, we cannot count upon the moderation, or hope to extinguish the ambition of others.

[Alexander Hamilton](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexander-hamilton.md) · [The Federalist Papers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexander-hamilton/the-federalist-papers.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexander-hamilton/the-federalist-papers/let-us-recollect.md)

Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [peace](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/peace.md)

> An avaricious man might be tempted to betray the interests of the State to the acquisition of wealth. An ambitious man might make his own aggrandizement, by the aid of a foreign power, the price of his treachery to his constituents. The history of human conduct does not warrant that exalted opinion of human virtue, which would make it wise in a Nation to commit interests of so delicate and momentous a kind, as those which concern its intercourse with the rest of the world, to the sole disposal of a Magistrate created and circumstanced as would be a President of the United States.

[Alexander Hamilton](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexander-hamilton.md) · [The Federalist Papers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexander-hamilton/the-federalist-papers.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexander-hamilton/the-federalist-papers/an-avaricious-man.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [greed](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/greed.md)

> If you wanted to get anywhere in this world—and she'd decided, right at the start, that she wanted to get as far as it was possible to go—you wore names lightly, and you took power anywhere you found it. She had buried three husbands, and at least two of them had already been dead. (p. 14)

[Terry Pratchett](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett.md) · [Witches Abroad](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/witches-abroad.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/witches-abroad/if-you-wanted.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Women are but the toys which amuse our lighter hours-ambition is the serious business of life.

[Walter Scott](https://www.leafyquotes.com/walter-scott.md) · [Ivanhoe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/walter-scott/ivanhoe.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/walter-scott/ivanhoe/women-are-but.md)

Topics: [women](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/women.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> You think me ambitious: ambition, alas! is composed of more rugged materials. If I were ambitious, I should not for so many years have been a prey to all the hell of conscientious scruples.

[Horace Walpole](https://www.leafyquotes.com/horace-walpole.md) · [The Castle of Otranto](https://www.leafyquotes.com/horace-walpole/the-castle-of-otranto.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/horace-walpole/the-castle-of-otranto/you-think-me-ambitious.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md)

> A truce to philosophy! — Life is before me and I rush into possession. Hope, glory, love, and blameless ambition are my guides, and my soul knows no dread.

[Mary Shelley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley.md) · [The Last Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/the-last-man.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/the-last-man/a-truce-to-philosophy.md)

Topics: [hope](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hope.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Your imagination is notoriously poor. Not everyone holds identical ambitions to your own!

[Michael Moorcock](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-moorcock.md) · [The Dragon in the Sword](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-moorcock/the-dragon-in-the-sword.md) · p. 560 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-moorcock/the-dragon-in-the-sword/your-imagination-is-notoriously.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> I looked down at her shriveled corpse. It lay across that of her brother. One had represented the evil of the world, the other the good. Yet both had been defeated by pride, by ambition, by a promise of immortality.

[Michael Moorcock](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-moorcock.md) · [The Dragon in the Sword](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-moorcock/the-dragon-in-the-sword.md) · p. 669 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michael-moorcock/the-dragon-in-the-sword/i-looked-down.md)

Topics: [pride](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/pride.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> The subject of my future, as a matter of fact, was one on which I had never cared to dwell. I simply didn't care. I would think that I'd get a job, any kind of job, and do it and collect my pay and spend the pay and go back to the job on Monday morning, and that would be all. I had no ambitions.

[Robert Penn Warren](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-penn-warren.md) · [All the King's Men](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-penn-warren/all-the-kings-men.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-penn-warren/all-the-kings-men/the-subject-of-my-future.md)

Topics: [the future](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/the-future.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> An ambitious man is a man who wants other people to think he is great.

[Robert Penn Warren](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-penn-warren.md) · [All the King's Men](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-penn-warren/all-the-kings-men.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-penn-warren/all-the-kings-men/an-ambitious-man.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> It’s the dream of every living creature. The desire that is the very root of life itself: to grow until all the space you can see is part of you, under your control. It’s the desire for greatness. There are two ways, though, to fulfill it. One way is to kill anything that is not yourself, to swallow it up or destroy it, until nothing is left to oppose you. But that way is evil. You say to all the universe, Only I will be great, and to make room for me the rest of you must give up even what you already have, and become nothing.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Speaker for the Dead](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/speaker-for-the-dead.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/speaker-for-the-dead/its-the-dream.md)

Topics: [evil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/evil.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> It is not the rich man's son that the young struggler for advancement has to fear in the race of life, nor his nephew, nor his cousin. Let him look out for the "dark horse" in the boy who begins by sweeping out the office.

[Andrew Carnegie](https://www.leafyquotes.com/andrew-carnegie.md) · [The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie](https://www.leafyquotes.com/andrew-carnegie/the-autobiography-of-andrew-carnegie.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/andrew-carnegie/the-autobiography-of-andrew-carnegie/it-is-not.md)

Topics: [success and failure](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/success-and-failure.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Salary, (I said, quite offended) what do I care for salary? I do not want the salary; I want the position. It is glory enough to go back to the Pittsburgh Division in your former place. You can make my salary just what you please and you need not give me any more than what I am getting now... Oh, please don't speak to me of money!

[Andrew Carnegie](https://www.leafyquotes.com/andrew-carnegie.md) · [The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie](https://www.leafyquotes.com/andrew-carnegie/the-autobiography-of-andrew-carnegie.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/andrew-carnegie/the-autobiography-of-andrew-carnegie/salary-i-said.md)

Topics: [money](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/money.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> I didn't decide to run for president to start a national crusade for the political reforms I believed in, or to run a campaign as if it were some grand act of patriotism. In truth, I wanted to be president because it had become my ambition to be president.

[John McCain](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-mccain.md) · [Worth the Fighting For](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-mccain/worth-the-fighting-for.md) · p. 373 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-mccain/worth-the-fighting-for/i-didnt-decide.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> God like Us suffers the ambition to make a destiny more extraordinary than was conceived for Him, yes God is like Me, only more so.

[Norman Mailer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/norman-mailer.md) · [Advertisements for Myself](https://www.leafyquotes.com/norman-mailer/advertisements-for-myself.md) · p. 530 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/norman-mailer/advertisements-for-myself/god-like-us-suffers.md)

Topics: [god](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/god.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> It was men’s ambitions, they said, that had perverted all the arts to ends of gain.

[Ursula K. Le Guin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin.md) · [Tales from Earthsea](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin/tales-from-earthsea.md) · p. 56 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin/tales-from-earthsea/it-was-mens.md)

Topics: [art](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/art.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Your guest is mundane, a restless personage whose thoughts are thick with greed and treachery. A demon crouches on his shoulder, named Ambition.

[Steven Erikson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-erikson.md) · [Gardens Of The Moon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-erikson/gardens-of-the-moon.md) · p. 187 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-erikson/gardens-of-the-moon/your-guest-is-mundane.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [greed](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/greed.md)

> “What do you mean by a tyrant?”
>
> “One whose blood was poisoned by the ambition to rule over others.”

[Steven Erikson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-erikson.md) · [Gardens Of The Moon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-erikson/gardens-of-the-moon.md) · p. 309 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-erikson/gardens-of-the-moon/what-do-you.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [tyranny](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/tyranny.md)

> Professional standards, the standards of ambition and selfishness, are always sliding downward toward expense, ostentation, and mediocrity. They tend always to narrow the ground of judgment. But amateur standards, the standards of love, are always straining upward toward the humble and the best. They enlarge the ground of judgment. The context of love is the world.

[Wendell Berry](https://www.leafyquotes.com/wendell-berry.md) · [What Are People For?](https://www.leafyquotes.com/wendell-berry/what-are-people-for.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/wendell-berry/what-are-people-for/professional-standards-the.md)

Topics: [love](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/love.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> From my infancy I was imbued with high hopes and a lofty ambition; but how am I sunk! Oh! My friend, if you had known me as I once was, you would not recognize me in this state of degradation. Despondency rarely visited my heart; a high destiny seemed to bear me on, until I fell, never, never again to rise.

[Mary Shelley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley.md) · [Frankenstein](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein/from-my-infancy.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [despair](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/despair.md)

> I felt as if my soul were grappling with a palpable enemy; one by one the various keys were touched which formed the mechanism of my being; chord after chord was sounded, and soon my mind was filled with one thought, one conception, one purpose. So much has been done, exclaimed the soul of Frankenstein – more, far more, will I achieve; treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation.

[Mary Shelley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley.md) · [Frankenstein](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein/i-felt-as.md)

Topics: [science](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/science.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow.

[Mary Shelley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley.md) · [Frankenstein](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein/learn-from-me-if-not.md)

Topics: [knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/knowledge.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> No one can conceive the variety of feelings which bore me onwards, like a hurricane, in the first enthusiasm of success. Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world. A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs.

[Mary Shelley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley.md) · [Frankenstein](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein/no-one-can.md)

Topics: [science](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/science.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> A career which had begun so full of promise but which, like a stream with too feeble a spring, had spent itself with a sad inevitability among the sandy shallows of unrealised ambition.

[P.D. James](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pd-james.md) · [A Certain Justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pd-james/a-certain-justice.md) · p. 229 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pd-james/a-certain-justice/a-career-which.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> A man's reach must exceed his grasp or what's a metaphor? (p.7)

[Marshall McLuhan](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marshall-mcluhan.md) · [Understanding Media](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marshall-mcluhan/understanding-media.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marshall-mcluhan/understanding-media/a-mans-reach.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> One must fight to get to the top, especially if one starts at the bottom.

[Franz Kafka](https://www.leafyquotes.com/franz-kafka.md) · [The Castle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/franz-kafka/the-castle.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/franz-kafka/the-castle/one-must-fight.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> The great source of both the misery and disorders of human life, seems to arise from over-rating the difference between one permanent situation and another. Avarice over-rates the difference between poverty and riches: ambition, that between a private and a public station: vain-glory, that between obscurity and extensive reputation. The person under the influence of any of those extravagant passions, is not only miserable in his actual situation, but is often disposed to disturb the peace of society, in order to arrive at that which he so foolishly admires. The slightest observation, however, might satisfy him, that, in all the ordinary situations of human life, a well-disposed mind may be equally calm, equally cheerful, and equally contented. Some of those situations may, no doubt, deserve to be preferred to others: but none of them can deserve to be pursued with that passionate ardour which drives us to violate the rules either of prudence or of justice; or to corrupt the future tranquillity of our minds, either by shame from the remembrance of our own folly, or by remorse from the horror of our own injustice.

[Adam Smith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith.md) · [The Theory of Moral Sentiments](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments/the-great-source.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [greed](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/greed.md), [peace of mind](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/peace-of-mind.md)

> The urge to excel and the urge to lead aren’t the same. Sometimes I think they may be opposites.

[Kim Stanley Robinson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson.md) · [Red Mars](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/red-mars.md) · p. 67 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/red-mars/the-urge-to-excel.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [leadership](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/leadership.md)

> In the languor of disease and the weariness of old age, the pleasures of the vain and empty distinctions of greatness disappear. To one, in this situation, they are no longer capable of recommending those toilsome pursuits in which they had formerly engaged him. In his heart he curses ambition, and vainly regrets the ease and the indolence of youth, pleasures which are fled for ever, and which he has foolishly sacrificed for what, when he has got it, can afford him no real satisfaction. In this miserable aspect does greatness appear to every man when reduced either by spleen or disease to observe with attention his own situation, and to consider what it is that is really wanting to his happiness. Power and riches appear then to be, what they are, enormous and operose machines contrived to produce a few trifling conveniencies to the body, consisting of springs the most nice and delicate, which must be kept in order with the most anxious attention, and which, in spite of all our care, are ready every moment to burst into pieces, and to crush in their ruins their unfortunate possessor. ...
>
> But though this splenetic philosophy, which in time of sickness or low spirits is familiar to every man, thus entirely depreciates those great objects of human desire, when in better health and in better humour, we never fail to regard them under a more agreeable aspect. Our imagination, which in pain and sorrow seems to be confined and cooped up within our own persons, in times of ease and prosperity expands itself to every thing around us. We are then charmed with the beauty of that accommodation which reigns in the palaces and economy of the great; and admire how every thing is adapted to promote their ease, to prevent their wants, to gratify their wishes, and to amuse and entertain their most frivolous desires. If we consider the real satisfaction which all these things are capable of affording, by itself and separated from the beauty of that arrangement which is fitted to promote it, it will always appear in the highest degree contemptible and trifling. But we rarely view it in this abstract and philosophical light. We naturally confound it, in our imagination with the order, the regular and harmonious movement of the system, the machine or economy by means of which it is produced. The pleasures of wealth and greatness, when considered in this complex view, strike the imagination as something grand, and beautiful, and noble, of which the attainment is well worth all the toil and anxiety which we are so apt to bestow upon it.
>
> And it is well that nature imposes upon us in this manner. It is this deception which rouses and keeps in continual motion the industry of mankind.

[Adam Smith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith.md) · [The Theory of Moral Sentiments](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments/in-the-languor.md)

Topics: [wealth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/wealth.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> “People tend to fall into three psychological types, all differently motivated. There is the type, motivated by economic factors, money...And there is the type motivated by ‘face,’ or pride. This type is a spender, fighter, boaster, lover, sportsman, gambler; he has a will to power and an itch for glory. And there is the professional type, which claims to follow a code of ethics rather than simply seeking money or glory—priests and ministers, teachers, scientists, medical men, some artists and writers. The idea is that such a man believes that he is devoting his life to some purpose more important than his individual self. You follow me?”

[Robert A. Heinlein](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-a-heinlein.md) · [Space Cadet](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-a-heinlein/space-cadet.md) · p. 111 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-a-heinlein/space-cadet/people-tend-to-fall.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> His was a life which lacked, perhaps, the sublimer emotions which raised Man to the level of the gods, but it was undeniably an extremely happy one. He never experienced the thrill of ambition fulfilled, but, on the other hand, he never knew the agony of ambition frustrated. His name, when he died, would not live for ever in England's annals; he was spared the pain of worrying about this by the fact that he had no desire to live for ever in England's annals. He was possibly as nearly contented a human being can be in this century of alarms and excursions.

[P.G. Wodehouse](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pg-wodehouse.md) · [Something Fresh](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pg-wodehouse/something-fresh.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pg-wodehouse/something-fresh/his-was-a-life.md)

Topics: [happiness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/happiness.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Remember, no more effort is required to aim high in life, to demand abundance and prosperity, than is required to accept misery and poverty. p. 38

[Napoleon Hill](https://www.leafyquotes.com/napoleon-hill.md) · [Think And Grow Rich](https://www.leafyquotes.com/napoleon-hill/think-and-grow-rich.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/napoleon-hill/think-and-grow-rich/remember-no-more.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> “Remember, my dear, Jantiff isn’t an egalist like the rest of us; he wants to do something quite extraordinary and individualistic.”
>
> “Yes, partly that,” said Jantiff, wishing that he had never ventured an opinion. “But it’s more like this: here I am, born into life with certain capabilities. If I don’t use these capabilities and achieve my utmost then I’m cheating myself, and living a soiled life.
>
> “Hmm,” said Tanzel sagely. “If everyone were like you, the world would be a very nervous place.” Jantiff gave an embarrassed laugh. “No cause for worry; there don’t seem to be many people like me.”

[Jack Vance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance.md) · [Wyst: Alastor 1716](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/wyst-alastor-1716.md) · p. 321 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/wyst-alastor-1716/remember-my-dear.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [talent](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/talent.md)

> “Still, I am restless; in all my life I have achieved nothing.”
>
> “Work and fatigue are well-known cures for restlessness! And what is achievement after all? Another name for vanity!”

[Jack Vance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance.md) · [Maske: Thaery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/maske-thaery.md) · p. 15 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/maske-thaery/still-i-am-restless.md)

Topics: [work](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/work.md), [pride](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/pride.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> I like thinking big. I always have. To me it's very simple: if you're going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big. Most people think small, because most people are afraid of success, afraid of making decisions, afraid of winning. And that gives people like me a great advantage.

[Donald J. Trump](https://www.leafyquotes.com/donald-j-trump.md) · [Trump: The Art of the Deal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/donald-j-trump/trump-the-art-of-the-deal.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/donald-j-trump/trump-the-art-of-the-deal/i-like-thinking.md)

Topics: [success and failure](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/success-and-failure.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Take the happiest man, the one most envied by the world, and in nine cases out of ten his inmost consciousness is one of failure. Either his ideals in the line of his achievements are pitched far higher than the achievements themselves, or else he has secret ideals of which the world knows nothing, and in regard to which he inwardly knows himself to be found wanting.

[William James](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-james.md) · [The Varieties of Religious Experience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-james/the-varieties-of-religious-experience.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-james/the-varieties-of-religious-experience/take-the-happiest.md)

Topics: [happiness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/happiness.md), [success and failure](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/success-and-failure.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Maybe what we really want is for our children to be the dominant ones! Maybe I'm trying to see my own ambitions fulfilled in them, and that would be wrong, so I should be content with what they are.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [The Ships Of Earth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/the-ships-of-earth.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/the-ships-of-earth/maybe-what-we-really.md)

Topics: [children](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/children.md), [parents](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/parents.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Desire is creation, is the magical element in that process. If there were an instrument by which to measure desire, one could foretell achievement.

[Willa Cather](https://www.leafyquotes.com/willa-cather.md) · [The Professor's House](https://www.leafyquotes.com/willa-cather/the-professors-house.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/willa-cather/the-professors-house/desire-is-creation.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [desire](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/desire.md)

> "Eh, Manuel, and will you re-model the world?"
>
> "Who knows?" says Manuel, in the high pride of his youth. "At all events, I do not mean to leave it unaltered."

[James Branch Cabell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-branch-cabell.md) · [Figures of Earth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-branch-cabell/figures-of-earth.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-branch-cabell/figures-of-earth/eh-manuel-and.md)

Topics: [youth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/youth.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> That's just why, because talent isn't genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing. I won't be a common-place dauber, so I don't intend to try any more.

[Louisa May Alcott](https://www.leafyquotes.com/louisa-may-alcott.md) · [Little Women](https://www.leafyquotes.com/louisa-may-alcott/little-women.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/louisa-may-alcott/little-women/thats-just-why.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [talent](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/talent.md), [genius](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/genius.md)

> Men are odd. If they cannot be first, they don't in the least mind being last.

[Gore Vidal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gore-vidal.md) · [Julian](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gore-vidal/julian.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gore-vidal/julian/men-are-odd.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [men](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/men.md)

> It has often been said that it is better to rule in Hell than serve in Heaven. This is defeatist talk: I intend to rule everywhere, not just in Hell.

[Frank Herbert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert.md) · [Dune](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/dune.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/dune/it-has-often.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> A human lifespan is not always sufficient for a person to achieve greatness. To counter this, some of us have seized more time for ourselves.

[Frank Herbert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert.md) · [Dune](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/dune.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/dune/a-human-lifespan.md)

Topics: [time](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/time.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> So that there are instances among them of men, who, ... still, from the audacious, daring, and boundless adventure of their subsequent lives, strangely blend with these unoutgrown peculiarities, a thousand bold dashes of character, not unworthy a Scandinavian sea-king, or a poetical Pagan Roman. And when these things unite in a man of greatly superior natural force, with a globular brain and a ponderous heart; who has also by the stillness and seclusion of many long night-watches in the remotest waters, and beneath constellations never seen here at the north, been led to think untraditionally and independently; receiving all nature's sweet or savage impressions fresh from her own virgin voluntary and confiding breast, and thereby chiefly, but with some help from accidental advantages, to learn a bold and nervous lofty language—that man makes one in a whole nation's census—a mighty pageant creature, formed for noble tragedies. Nor will it at all detract from him, dramatically regarded, if either by birth or other circumstances, he have what seems a half wilful over-ruling morbidness at the bottom of his nature. For all men tragically great are made so through a certain morbidness. Be sure of this, O young ambition, all mortal greatness is but disease.

[Herman Melville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville.md) · [Moby-Dick](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville/moby-dick.md) · p. 82 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville/moby-dick/so-that-there.md)

Topics: [character](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/character.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [illness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/illness.md)

> The First thing that strikes a traveler in the United States is the innumerable multitude of those who seek to emerge from their original condition; and the second is the rarity of lofty ambition to be observed in the midst of the universally ambitious stir of society. No Americans are devoid of a yearning desire to rise, but hardly any appear to entertain hopes of great magnitude or to pursue very lofty aims. All are constantly seeking to acquire property, power, and reputation.

[Alexis de Tocqueville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville.md) · [Democracy in America](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america/the-first-thing.md)

Topics: [America](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/america.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> What chiefly diverts the men of democracies from lofty ambition is not the scantiness of their fortunes, but the vehemence of the exertions they daily make to improve them.

[Alexis de Tocqueville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville.md) · [Democracy in America](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america/what-chiefly-diverts.md)

Topics: [democracy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/democracy.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> No natural boundary seems to be set to the efforts of man; and what is not yet done is only what he has not yet attempted to do.

[Alexis de Tocqueville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville.md) · [Democracy in America](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america/no-natural-boundary.md)

Topics: [human nature](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/human-nature.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> Mama exhorted her children at every opportunity to "jump at de sun." We might not land on the sun, but at least we would get off the ground.

[Zora Neale Hurston](https://www.leafyquotes.com/zora-neale-hurston.md) · [Dust Tracks On A Road](https://www.leafyquotes.com/zora-neale-hurston/dust-tracks-on-a-road.md) · p. 13 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/zora-neale-hurston/dust-tracks-on-a-road/mama-exhorted-her.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [mother](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/mother.md)

> Methinks I am like a man, who having struck on many shoals, and having narrowly escap'd shipwreck in passing a small frith, has yet the temerity to put out to sea in the same leaky weather-beaten vessel, and even carries his ambition so far as to think of compassing the globe under these disadvantageous circumstances.

[David Hume](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-hume.md) · [A Treatise of Human Nature](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-hume/a-treatise-of-human-nature.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-hume/a-treatise-of-human-nature/methinks-i-am-like.md)

Topics: [courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> But a morbid consciousness that others did not give him the place which he had not demonstrably merited—a perpetual suspicious conjecture that the views entertained of him were not to his advantage— a melancholy absence of passion in his efforts at achievement, and a passionate resistance to the confession that he had achieved nothing.

[George Eliot](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot.md) · [Middlemarch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot/middlemarch.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot/middlemarch/but-a-morbid.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> High achievements demand some other unusual qualification besides an unusual desire for high prizes.

[George Eliot](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot.md) · [The Mill on the Floss](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot/the-mill-on-the-floss.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot/the-mill-on-the-floss/high-achievements-demand.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> ... but one mistake; that alertness for measuring and weighing event against eventuality, circumstance against human nature, his own fallible judgement and mortal clay against not only human but natural forces, choosing and discarding, compromising with his dream and his ambition like you must with the horse which you take across country, over timber, which you control only through your ability to keep the animal from realising that actually you cannot, that actually it is the stronger.

[William Faulkner](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-faulkner.md) · [Absalom, Absalom!](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-faulkner/absalom-absalom.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-faulkner/absalom-absalom/but-one-mistake.md)

Topics: [dreams and aspirations](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/dreams-and-aspirations.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md)

> It is a great force, and a great fortune, to be able to live without any ambition whatever. I aspire to it, but the very fact of so aspiring still participates in ambition.

[Emil Cioran](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emil-cioran.md) · [The Trouble With Being Born](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emil-cioran/the-trouble-with-being-born.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emil-cioran/the-trouble-with-being-born/it-is-a-great.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [paradox](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/paradox.md)

> It was the verdict of ancient writers that men afflict themselves in evil and weary themselves in the good, and that the same effects result from both of these passions. For whenever men are not obliged to fight from necessity, they fight from ambition; which is so powerful in human breasts, that it never leaves them no matter to what rank they rise. The reason is that nature has so created men that they are able to desire everything but are not able to attain everything: so that the desire being always greater than the acquisition, there results discontent with the possession and little satisfaction to themselves from it. From this arises the changes in their fortunes; for as men desire, some to have more, some in fear of losing their acquisition, there ensues enmity and war, from which results the ruin of that province and the elevation of another.

[Niccolo Machiavelli](https://www.leafyquotes.com/niccolo-machiavelli.md) · [Discourses on Livy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/niccolo-machiavelli/discourses-on-livy.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/niccolo-machiavelli/discourses-on-livy/it-was-the.md)

Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [desire](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/desire.md)

> "Importance may be sometimes purchased too dearly."

[Jane Austen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen.md) · [Pride and Prejudice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen/pride-and-prejudice.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen/pride-and-prejudice/importance-may-be-sometimes.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [reputation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/reputation.md)

> He had talents equal to business, and aspired no higher.

[Tacitus](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tacitus.md) · [Annals](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tacitus/annals.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tacitus/annals/he-had-talents.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [mediocrity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/mediocrity.md)

> Men who undertake considerable things, even in a regular way, ought to give us ground to presume ability.

[Edmund Burke](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edmund-burke.md) · [Reflections on the Revolution in France](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edmund-burke/reflections-on-the-revolution-in-france.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edmund-burke/reflections-on-the-revolution-in-france/men-who-undertake.md)

Topics: [ambition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ambition.md), [talent](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/talent.md)