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Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on the other side
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Ambition can lead one to reach beyond their limits, often resulting in failure.

This quote from Shakespeare reflects on the nature of unchecked ambition. It suggests that when individuals aspire to achieve more than what is reasonable or possible, they risk overextending themselves, which can lead to their downfall. The metaphor of 'vaulting' implies a leap that goes beyond control, illustrating that ambition must be balanced with wisdom to avoid adverse outcomes.

Themes

AmbitionLimitsFailureWisdomCaution

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about setting realistic goals, one could say: 'Remember, vaulting ambition can lead us to overreach and face failure.'

More from William Shakespeare

As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, / I must not look to have; but, in their stead, / Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, / Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not" (5.3.25-28).
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Love bears it out even to the edge of doom.
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Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
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Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
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Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
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Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
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