I believe that dreams - day dreams, you know, with your eyes wide open and your brain machinery whizzing - are likely to lead to the betterment of the world.
L. Frank BaumRead
A curious thing about Ugu the Shoemaker was that he didn't suspect in the least that he was wicked. He wanted to be powerful and great, and he hoped to make himself master of all the Land of Oz that he might compel everyone in that fairy country to obey him, His ambition blinded him to the rights of others, and he imagined anyone else would act just as he did if anyone else happened to be as clever as himself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ambition can blind individuals to morality and the rights of others.
This quote reflects on the nature of ambition and the potential for moral blindness it can cause. Ugu the Shoemaker, despite his wickedness and desire for power, fails to recognize the impact of his actions on others, illustrating how unchecked ambition can distort one's perception of right and wrong, leading to a selfish worldview where one believes others would act similarly if given the chance.
Themes
AmbitionMoralityPowerSelfishnessBlindness
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on the impact of ambition in leadership roles.
More from L. Frank Baum
All quotes →I am Oz, the Great and Terrible," spoke the Beast, in a voice that was one great roar. Who are you, and why do you seek me?
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You have plenty of courage, I am sure," answered Oz. "All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty.
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That proves you are unusual,' returned the Scarecrow; 'and I am convinced that the only people worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual ones. For the common folks are like the leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed.
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Everything in life is unusual until you get accustomed to it -The Scarecrow - The Marvellous Land Of Oz by L. Frank Baum pg 103 chapter 13
L. Frank BaumRead
Oh, I see;" said the Tin Woodman. "But, after all, brains are not the best things in the world." Have you any?" enquired the Scarecrow. No, my head is quite empty," answered the Woodman; "but once I had brains, and a heart also; so, having tried them both, I should much rather have a heart.
L. Frank BaumRead
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