INASMUCH as the word "ambition" is often used, it is well to consider closely the qualities of thought which it represents. Since much that is active in the affairs of the world of material sense, resulting from ambition, is dangerous to public weal and individual peace, we may profitably look into the subject and choose the higher sense of it as alone conducive to happiness. In what may be termed a negative sense, a modern dictionary defines ambition as "an eager or inordinate desire to gain power or distinction, as by obtaining office, military fame, literary eminence, or wealth." Shakespeare evidently had this sense in mind when he put these words into the mouth of one of his characters:—
Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away
ambition:
By that sin fell the angels;how can
man then,
The image of his Maker, hope to win
by't?
In a constructive sense the word means sincere desire; as, for instance, when Paul declared, "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." To human sense, ambition is often displayed in an imperious hunger for temporal or personal power and thirst for fame. But this mortal sense, which accumulates a belief in power whereby to dominate and oppress, has a brief day; its power is ephemeral and illusive. All who study history carefully may note that real power is impersonal; and that when once rightly established in the affairs of men it continues, though mortals may rise and fall, and generations come and go. The right sense of ambition liberates men and women, providing ample channels whereby it may have freer scope for the common good.
