Thinking begins - Ambition

 The word 'ambition' is a noun and means 'the desire to do or achieve something'. What do you think of this word? Right from the time a child enters school, s/he is asked to find a goal for herself/himself. And the attempts one makes to reach those goals may bring in the label of 'being ambitious'. In short, ambition may be said to be the power people put in to achieve their goals. we should remember not to confuse these goals with a well-paid job! Helping and inspiring others, learning new skills, expanding knowledge are a few of the typical ambitions that one may list.

 Is it good to be ambitious or is it a negative thing? Well! there is no right or wrong answer. And this is where I go to Francis Bacon's essay 'Of Ambition'. This is an argumentative essay in which Bacon states that an ambitious person, moving unchecked, will be busy. But the moment there is an obstacle in their path, they become dangerous. To quote Bacon,

"So ambitious men, if they find the way open for their rising, and still get forward, they are rather busy than dangerous; but if they be checked in their desires, they become secretly discontent, and look upon men and matters with an evil eye, and are best pleased, when things go backward; which is the worst property in a servant of a prince, or state."

Bacon also places clearly the role ambitious people may play and it appears contradictory. He is not in favour of too ambitious a commander but the same quality shouldn't go amiss in a soldier. And if we think of the 21st century, the same may still be true. The world needs ambitious workers who will put in a lot of effort but needs balanced leaders who will take everyone together and make the world a better place to live in!!!

We need ambition and ambitious people around us and coupled with determination, it can lead to an amazing life.


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