My child, you are going to be a great king; do not imitate me in the taste I have had for building, or in that I have had for war; try, on the contrary, to be at peace with your neighbors.
Louis XivRead
The ministers of kings should learn to moderate their ambition. The higher they elevate themselves above their proper sphere, the greater the danger that they will fall.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ambitious leaders must balance their aspirations with humility to avoid downfall.
This quote by Louis XIV emphasizes the importance of moderation in ambition for those in positions of power. It warns that while striving for greatness is admirable, elevating oneself too far above one's rightful place can lead to significant risks and potential failure. Leaders should practice humility to ensure their ambitions do not lead to their undoing.
Themes
AmbitionLeadershipHumilityFallDanger
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership seminar, this quote can be used to discuss the importance of humility in leadership positions.
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