A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by read more

A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires.

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.

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.

Oh, sons of earth! attempt ye still to rise.
By mountains pil'd on mountains to the skies?
read more

Oh, sons of earth! attempt ye still to rise.
By mountains pil'd on mountains to the skies?
Heav'n still with laughter the vain toil surveys,
And buries madmen in the heaps they raise.

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 do not fear failure. I only fear the "slowing up" of the engine inside of me which is pounding, read more

I do not fear failure. I only fear the "slowing up" of the engine inside of me which is pounding, saying, "Keep going, someone must be on top, why not you?"

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that read more

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

Where there are large powers with little ambition... nature may be said to have fallen short of her purposes.

Where there are large powers with little ambition... nature may be said to have fallen short of her purposes.

As he was valiant, I honour him. But as he was ambitious, I slew him.

As he was valiant, I honour him. But as he was ambitious, I slew him.