One of our associate producers, Monique Lewis, weighs in on the topic of “Ambition.”  (The title of chapter 4)

For the past several days now, I have been mediating on the word: AMBITION.

When I think of ambition, I can only think of ambition as it pertains to people in the world and characters throughout Chapters 1-3 of “Courage, New Hamphire.”

(Shameless Plug: Decide for yourself, which character has the most ambition, by watching and purchasing the DVD HERE!)

Likewise, when I think of ambitious people, I think of those who live under the mindset of  “good being the enemy of great.” They do not settle for “good enough.” They do not just want better; they want the BEST!

Indefinitely, I discovered that I liken the quality to certain “dishonorable” people who lack conviction. I believe that their “dishonorable” ambition derives out of discontentment and unhappiness.

However, for some, ambition may appear as a virtue.

Their mindset, being: “I have to beat the status quo, this world is broken, I need to fix it,  for the sake and the benefit of generations to come.”

For others, ambition may appear as a vice. Their mindset being: “I have to beat the status quo, because I am the best, and I deserve and want the best!”

I believe, like Kristie Kershaw, see previous post, that ambition is rooted in people’s motivations–selfish or unselfish, dishonorable or honorable…

It has been said that:

“Ambition breaks the ties of blood, and it forgets the obligations of gratitude.”

Let’s just say, that this type of “selfish” ambition thanks no one, but itself. This type of ambition has a “take no prisoners” attitude. It sets its mission, acheives it goals, at all costs, with no consideration or gratitude of how it “arrived” to its destination.

“Selfish” ambition, I believe, results in false motivations, flawed character, impersonal interactions, and lack of authenticity.

It has also been said that:

“[Selfish] Ambiton is so powerful a passion in the human breast, that however high it reaches, it can never be satisfied.”

I believe that this is true.

“Selfish” ambition says: “I can do all things myself, for myself, by myself.” It roots itself in pride, the sin of inordinate self love, which is also dangerous.

Moreover, this type of “selfish” ambition, allows discontentment as it distracts from the “here and now” and focuses on “what is to come.” It may force a person to a lose their sight, on the job at hand, and their mission at stake.

Whether or not you agree with everything that I just said, I would say that we all are ambitious in some way.

As I mentioned before, I think that ambiton, given it motivations, can be  honorable or dishonorable. Whichever, category your ambitions fall under, your ambition becomes your labor. This meaning, that your ambitions set your priorities and force your actions, whether it is for own well-being or for the well-being of others.

And so, I do not believe that ambition is a virtue, unless, it is used for the well-being of others, to stir up positive change, and create a better society.

In which case, this is where “Courage” comes in.

It takes “Courage” to put away one’s own ambitions, pride, and desires for the sake of another’s well-being. It takes “Courage” to put “your money where your mouth is” and truly care about the needs of others, and not hoping for the return of the “favor.” It takes “Courage,” to love and care for someone with no guarantee of gratitude or payment back. It takes “Courage,” to see the “bigger picture,” and to have your ambitions align for the greater good. It takes “Courage” to stand up for the weak and those who are being led away to the slaughter.

Furthermore, I can speak for myself. I find validation in accomplishment. My ambition lies in the completion of the task at hand. I am motivated by achieving perfection and fulfilling a goal. However, some of my selfish ambitions have led me astray as I have believed in their false promise of happiness.  I had to fall hard and flat on my face to realize that “selfish” ambition, when unchecked, is a terrible vice. (More on that, at a later time.)

So reader, how “Courageous” are you? Do you think that ambition is a vice or a virtue? What motivates you to sustain “Courage?” Is it your family, your job, your convictions?

Feel free to comment below as we would love to hear from you!

~Monique