I want to take over the world!
Ambition is typically seen as a vice; a bad thing. For example, a lot of modern day thought says “you should be grateful for what you got”, etc.
What is ambition anyways?
Ambitio — ambi— to go around. For example in ancient Roman times, when people were canvassing for political office, they would literally go around, promising search and favors etc., and a lot of this activity was seen as base. Ancient Roman philosophers like Seneca saw that it was bad taste to be ambitious because one would lie, connive, give false promises in order to just get office and more power.
my personal take on ambition is that it has to deal with more about the desire to become more. The disregard for public norms, and basic ways of living and thinking and living. For me, ambition is the fire which fuels everything.
How does our ambition die?
I was born in 1988, and I think my generation was a good one. We were all told that we were special and unique and that we could change the world, and that anything was possible. I think this attitude must be resumed.
“Fuck it!”
Also, one thing that I believe in is that there needs to be a healthy disregard for self preservation. This is one of the core ideas I learned from Walter Isaacson’s biography on Steve Jobs; for example, when they first released the original iPhone, a lot of people were concerned that it would cannibalized the original “iPod“ sales. Because if you had an iPhone… Why would you need an iPod anymore?
And I think this is critical; one must be disconcerted about self preservation. Self preservation is often something that holds us respect, something that makes us more conservative, fearful, and prevents our forward movement and evolution.
ChatGPT— history and etymology of ambition
The word “ambition” has a rich etymology and history. It originates from the Latin word “ambitio,” which comes from “ambire,” meaning “to go around.” In ancient Rome, “ambitio” was often used in the context of political canvassing, where candidates for public office would go around soliciting votes.
Over time, the meaning of “ambition” evolved. In Latin, it began to acquire a sense of a strong desire for honor, power, or recognition. This evolution reflected the competitive and public nature of Roman society, where political success and public standing were highly valued.
By the time it entered the English language in the 14th century, “ambition” had taken on its modern meaning: the desire to achieve success, power, or fame. This sense was somewhat neutral, but over time, it gained a negative connotation, often implying a ruthless or overweening desire for success or power.
In literature and philosophy, particularly during the Renaissance and later in the Enlightenment, ambition was a common theme, reflecting the changing social and political landscapes where individual achievement and personal success became more prominent ideals.
Today, “ambition” can have both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context. It’s often seen positively as a drive for success and self-improvement, but it can also imply a selfish or unscrupulous pursuit of power. The dual nature of “ambition” reflects its complex history, from its roots in Roman political life to its modern interpretation.