Though ambition in itself is a vice, it often is also the parent of virtue.

Though ambition in itself is a vice, it often is also the parent of virtue.

Most people would succeed in small things if they were not
troubled with great ambitions.

Most people would succeed in small things if they were not
troubled with great ambitions.

I see, but cannot reach, the height
That lies forever in the light.

I see, but cannot reach, the height
That lies forever in the light.

No steps backward.
[Lat., Vestigia nulla retrorsum.]

No steps backward.
[Lat., Vestigia nulla retrorsum.]

Ambition has no rest!

Ambition has no rest!

If thy heart fails thee, climb not at all.

If thy heart fails thee, climb not at all.

Ambition is so powerful a passion in the human breast, that however high we reach we are never satisfied.

Ambition is so powerful a passion in the human breast, that however high we reach we are never satisfied.

But wild Ambition loves to slide, not stand,
And Fortune's ice prefers to Virtue's land.

But wild Ambition loves to slide, not stand,
And Fortune's ice prefers to Virtue's land.

I had no ambition to make a fortune. Mere money-making has never been my goal, I had an ambition to read more

I had no ambition to make a fortune. Mere money-making has never been my goal, I had an ambition to build.