I should explain what I mean by this since I
believe there are two sides to ambition. Also, I should say I am not against
ambition per se – I am more than
delighted that mankind is no longer living in caves, eating raw meat and trying
to keep warm.
The level of ambition I dislike (and indeed
mistrust) is that which I too often see even within the confines of a small
(5,000 people) town in which I live. I have a natural dislike of those – and
there are many – who delight in imposing their
world view of what should be done and what should not be done upon those like
me who above all wish to be left in peace. Naked ambition (being the
richest, best, strongest, most vocal) is absolute anathema to me. I am not a
Luddite harking back to a far simpler less technological age, but someone who
wishes to live life on their own terms, without having to be caught up in the
wilful absolutism of others. I have always tried to live by the dictum of “live and let live” – it’s not my duty to
tell others how to live – to me this is the crux of really living. I don’t need
the trouble of dictating to others…
Ambition, in its place, is the oil for the
engine of the world. Only when carried to excess does it show its negative
qualities. So what do I mean by suggesting being “remote”? It’s taken time to
distil my thoughts but now I recognise that I need to insulate myself from this
wilful absolutism, to “downsize” my exposure to naked, negative ambition, and
to do that I am now looking at how best to do this. My needs from the state are
minimal (deliberately so) and I can therefore decide how (and where) I can best
fulfil my “remoteness”. This doesn’t mean becoming a hermit on a small island
far away, merely considering several alternatives that will allow me space to
breathe.
For me, being remote from ambition also equates
to being remote from fear – in all its’ forms. So, over the UK
Until next time (fearlessly),
Peripatetic Scribe
A splendid overview of "humanity" today and an objective view of how to at least limit "wilful absolutism" - which I regard as an excellent turn of phrase to describe what is happening around us. Thank you PS,
ReplyDeleteJames, Totnes
Thank you, P.S.! I couldn't agree with you more!
ReplyDeleteI can also remind you of a few quotes I like:
“Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you too can become great.”
– Mark Twain
" We can each define ambition and progress for ourselves. The goal is to work toward a world where expectations are not set by the stereotypes that hold us back, but by our personal passion, talents and interests."
Sheryl Sandberg
James thank you very much for your comments. Naked ambition has, I think, been the root cause of so many of our ills over a considerable time.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, thanks for your comments. The quotes are first class and I am delighted to know I am in such esteemed company in my thinking!!! Keep reading, please
ReplyDeleteExcellent stuff PS and a joy to read and share with my school children - it makes them think about higher matters! Keep up the thinking and don't cut yourself off completely!
ReplyDeleteMark NZ
Mark, thank you for your kind comments. If it makes the younger generation think of higher matters then it's no bad thing....
ReplyDelete