Nothing is more durable than the dynasty of Doubt; for he reigns in the hearts of all his people, but gives satisfaction to none of them, and yet he is the only despot who can never die, while any of his subjects live.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Ambition is to the mind what the cap is to the falcon; it blinds us first, and then compels us to tower by reason of our blindness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ambition can cloud our judgment but also drives us to achieve great heights.
This quote suggests that ambition, while a powerful motivator that can lead to success, can also obscure our perception and understanding. Just as a falcon's cap restricts its vision and affects its behavior, so too can an unchecked ambition lead us to overlook important truths or ethical considerations, ultimately pushing us to aspire for greater heights despite the potential pitfalls of our blinded state.
Themes
AmbitionMindSuccessBlindnessTower
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to young professionals about pursuing their dreams.
More from Charles Caleb Colton
All quotes βIt is astonishing how much more people are interested in lengthening life than improving it.
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The benevolent have the advantage of the envious, even in this present life; for the envious man is tormented not only by all the ill that befalls himself, but by all the good that happens to another; whereas the benevolent man is the better prepared to bear his own calamities unruffled, from the complacency and serenity he has secured from contemplating the prosperity of all around him.
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Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route.
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Our minds are as different as our faces. We are all traveling to one destination: happiness, but few are going by the same road.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
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