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.

A slave has but one master. An ambitious man has as many as there are people who helped him get his fortune.

Aim at the sun and you may not reach it; but your arrow will fly far higher than if you had aimed at an object on a level with yourself.

Ambition has one heel nailed in well, though she stretch her fingers to touch the heavens.

Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy.

Ambition is like love, impatient both of delays and rivals.

Ambition is pitiless. Any merit that it cannot use it finds despicable.

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

Ambition is the germ from which all growth of nobleness proceeds.

Ambition never comes to an end.