Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
Ambition first sprung from your blest abodes: the glorious fault of angels and of gods.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ambition is a powerful drive that originates from high ideals, often revered but also seen as a flaw in both divine and mortal realms.
In this quote, Alexander Pope reflects on the nature of ambition, suggesting that it has its roots in exalted places associated with divine beings. While ambition can lead to greatness, it is also described as a 'glorious fault', highlighting the duality of this drive, which can inspire both admirable achievements and potential downfalls, depending on how it is pursued.
Themes
AmbitionAspirationSuccessDivineDrive
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech to inspire students at a graduation ceremony.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes βWhat dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
Alexander PopeRead
Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
Alexander PopeRead
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
Alexander PopeRead
One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
Alexander PopeRead
Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
Alexander PopeRead
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