Nothing is more durable than the dynasty of Doubt; for he reigns in the hearts of all his people, but gives satisfaction to none of them, and yet he is the only despot who can never die, while any of his subjects live.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Ambition makes the same mistake concerning power that avarice makes concerning wealth. She begins by accumulating power as a means to happiness, and she finishes by continuing to accumulate it as an end.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ambition can lead to a misguided pursuit of power, mistaking it for true happiness.
In this quote, Colton argues that just as greed distorts the perception of wealth, ambition can lead individuals to mistakenly view power as the ultimate goal. Initially, those driven by ambition may seek power as a means to achieve happiness, but over time, they can become obsessed with power itself, forgetting its original purpose and thus losing sight of what truly brings fulfillment.
Themes
AmbitionPowerHappinessWealthMistake
In practice
Example use cases
In a leadership seminar discussing the importance of identifying true motivations behind the pursuit of ambition.
More from Charles Caleb Colton
All quotes →It is astonishing how much more people are interested in lengthening life than improving it.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
The benevolent have the advantage of the envious, even in this present life; for the envious man is tormented not only by all the ill that befalls himself, but by all the good that happens to another; whereas the benevolent man is the better prepared to bear his own calamities unruffled, from the complacency and serenity he has secured from contemplating the prosperity of all around him.
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Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Our minds are as different as our faces. We are all traveling to one destination: happiness, but few are going by the same road.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
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