A dogmatic belief in objective value is necessary to the very idea of a rule which is not tyranny or an obedience which is not slavery.
C. S. LewisRead
Ambition! We must be careful what we mean by it. If it means the desire to get ahead of other people - which is what I think it does mean - then it is bad. If it means simply wanting to do a thing well, then it is good. It isn't wrong for an actor to want to act his part as well as it can possibly be acted, but the wish to have his name in bigger type than the other actors is a bad one.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ambition can be positive or negative based on its motivation.
C. S. Lewis highlights the dual nature of ambition, suggesting that while striving for excellence in one's craft is commendable, the desire to outshine others can lead to unhealthy competition. He distinguishes between a selfless pursuit of quality and a selfish urge for personal recognition, emphasizing that true ambition should focus on the integrity of one's work rather than personal accolades.
Themes
AmbitionSuccessExcellenceCompetitionRecognition
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal growth.
More from C. S. Lewis
All quotes →I enjoyed my breakfast this morning, and I think that was a good thing and do not think it was condemned by God. But I do not think myself a good man for enjoying it.
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Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
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Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
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I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
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The instrument through which you see God is your whole self. And if a man's self is not kept clean and bright, his glimpse of God will be blurred
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