Quote by Robert Southey
Ambition is an idol, on whose wings great minds are carried only to extreme; to be sublimely great or to be nothing.
Summary
This quote suggests that ambition can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can drive individuals to great accomplishments and heights of success. On the other hand, if pursued without limits or a sense of balance, ambition can become an obsession, leading to extreme and potentially destructive behavior. The quote emphasizes that ambitious individuals are often faced with a choice: either to become exceptionally great or to fall into insignificance. It implies that ambition must be tempered with humility and ethical considerations in order to harness its power effectively.