In a world that relentlessly pursues success, ambition is often hailed as a key driver of achievement. It’s seen as the force that propels individuals to push boundaries, innovate, and realize their dreams.
But ambition isn’t a virtue.
According to Thomas Aquinas ambition is an “inordinate love of honour” and an “excess of magnanimity.”
He sees it as a dangerous vice. Something that can be good but something that when you have too much of it, is harmful.
Can ambition lead to greed? When that ambition is misdirected, it certainly can.
Ambition: A Double-Edged Sword
Ambition, at its core, is the desire to achieve something significant. It’s the internal drive that motivates individuals to set goals, overcome obstacles, and strive for excellence.
However, ambition is not inherently virtuous. Unlike magnanimity—an often-overlooked virtue rooted in greatness of spirit and generosity—ambition can be either constructive or destructive depending on how it is directed.
While ambition can lead to progress and innovation, it is not without its risks. The pursuit of success can easily become all-consuming, overshadowing other important values such as empathy, integrity, and social responsibility.
In this way, ambition can be a double-edged sword: it can drive you to great achievements, but it can also lead you down a path of selfishness and excess.
Magnanimity, on the other hand, represents a higher moral standard. It is the quality of being generous, noble, and above petty concerns.
A magnanimous person seeks to achieve great things not just for personal gain, but for the benefit of others. This virtue stands in stark contrast to ambition, which can sometimes be narrow in its focus and self-serving in its motivations.
There is nothing wrong with acting in your self-interest. That is the essence of capitalism, after all.
However, you want to avoid that self-interest turning into self-centredness and a lack of consideration for others.
The Slippery Slope: When Ambition Turns into Greed
When the pursuit of success becomes all-consuming, ambition can morph into greed.
Greed, unlike ambition, is driven by an insatiable desire for more—more money, more power, more recognition. It’s a selfish and often destructive force that can lead to unethical behavior, damaged relationships, and a loss of integrity.
The key difference between ambition and greed lies in their motivations. Ambition is often driven by a desire to achieve something meaningful, but without the moral guidance provided by virtues like magnanimity, it can quickly spiral into greed.
Greed is characterized by an excessive and unhealthy pursuit of personal gain, often at the expense of others.
The transition from ambition to greed can be subtle and gradual. It often begins with a small compromise or a decision to prioritize personal gain over ethical considerations.
Over time, these small compromises can add up, leading to a shift in mindset. What was once a healthy ambition can become an overwhelming desire for more, pushing individuals to engage in behaviors that they would have once considered unacceptable.
The Role of Society: Fostering Ambition or Fuelling Greed?
Society plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of ambition and greed. In a culture that celebrates wealth, power, and success, it’s easy for ambition to be confused with greed. The relentless pursuit of success is often glorified, while the potential downsides are overlooked.
In many ways, modern society encourages the blurring of lines between ambition and greed. The pressure to succeed can be overwhelming, leading individuals to prioritize personal gain over ethical considerations. This is particularly true in competitive industries where success is often measured by material wealth and social status.
However, society also has the power to foster magnanimity, steering ambition in a positive direction. By promoting values such as generosity, integrity, and social responsibility, we can encourage individuals to pursue success in a way that benefits not just themselves, but also those around them.
It’s about creating a culture that values long-term impact over short-term gains and personal fulfillment over material wealth.
Conclusion: Navigating the Fine Line
While ambition can lead to great achievements, it can also lead to greed if not kept in check. The key is to balance the desire for success with the importance of ethical behavior and the cultivation of virtues like magnanimity.
By fostering a sense of purpose and social responsibility, you can pursue your ambitions in a way that is both meaningful and ethical. It’s about striving for success without compromising integrity, and recognizing that true fulfilment comes not from material wealth, but from making a positive impact on the world.
Ultimately, ambition is not inherently virtuous. It is a tool that can be used for good or ill, depending on how it is wielded. By staying true to your values and focusing on the greater good, you can ensure that your ambitions lead to positive and lasting success, rather than being swallowed by the destructive force of greed.
