Ambition
Key Bible Verse
"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:14
Definitions
Practical
A strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work
Biblical
Desiring to be and to do the very best for God in His strength and for His glory
Webster's Original (1828)
linkAMBI'TION, noun [Latin ambitio, from ambio, to go about, or to seek by making interest, of amb, about, and eo, to go. This word had its origin in the practice of Roman candidates for office, who went about the city to solicit votes.]
A desire of preferment, or of honor; a desire of excellence or superiority. It is used in a good sense; as, emulation may spring from a laudable ambition It denotes also an inordinate desire of power, or eminence, often accompanied with illegal means to obtain the object. It is sometimes followed by of; as, a man has an ambition of wit. Milton has used the word in the Latin sense of going about, or attempting; but this sense is hardly legitimate.
Examples from Scripture
The Bible serves as a timeless guide for character study, offering profound insights and teachings that have shaped moral and ethical standards for centuries.
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Josiah
Tearing down idols and restoring the temple
Though only eight years old, King Josiah worked to remove false idols and restore proper worship. His actions helped guide the people back to God.
Read the story in 2 Kings 22-23, 2 Chronicles 34-35 -
Nehemiah
Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in the face of constant opposition
After many Jewish people returned home from Babylon, the walls of Jerusalem were still broken. Nehemiah led the people in rebuilding the walls, even when others mocked and threatened them. His actions helped protect the city and give the people hope again.
Read the story in Nehemiah 2 -
Zerubbabel
Laying the foundation of the second temple after exile
God’s people came back from Babylon needing a place to worship. Zerubbabel led the rebuilding of the temple even when the work was hard and resources were scarce. His determination helped the people worship God together again.
Read the story in Ezra 3-6
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Examples from Literature
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Jim Hawkins
Treasure Island (1883) by Robert Louis Stevenson
A young man learns that ambition can lead to good or trouble
An ordinary life at an inn suddenly opened the door to a dangerous adventure at sea. Jim Hawkins chose to chase the treasure voyage, willingly facing pirates and danger along the way. His bold choice led him to grow in courage, wisdom, and responsibility.
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Jo March
Little Women (1868) by Louisa May Alcott
A young woman works hard to become a writer
Jo loved stories and wanted to make something of her talent. She worked hard to become a writer, even when others doubted her or said it wasn’t proper. Her perseverance showed that steady effort can lead to meaningful success.
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Alec Ramsay
The Black Stallion (1941) by Walter Farley
A boy and his horse work toward a dream that seems impossible
After surviving alone on a deserted island with a wild horse, life could have returned to normal. Alec Ramsay couldn’t let go of his desire to race the horse and prove what they could do together. His focus and persistence led him into the world of racing and unexpected success.
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Heather
The Green Ember (2014) by S.D. Smith
A rabbit trains for a future where her people are safe
Life in Natalia demanded more than survival—it required someone willing to fight for the future. In The Green Ember, Heather commits herself to training, sacrifice, and difficult choices so her people might one day be free. Her determination helped keep hope alive even in the most difficult, hopeless circumstances.
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Examples from Cinema
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Rose Sayer & Charlie Allnut
The African Queen (1951)
An unlikely duo become heroes on the high seas
Ambition isn’t just about winning—it’s about believing in something bigger. In *The African Queen*, Rose Sayer refuses to give up when war destroys her home. She convinces Charlie Allnut to help her take on an impossible mission. At first, Charlie doubts they can succeed. But Rose’s determination pushes them forward. Her ambition gives Charlie courage, and together, they do something no one thought possible.
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Charles Lindbergh
The Spirit of St. Louis (1957)
In The Spirit of St. Louis, ambition drives Charles Lindbergh to attempt the first solo flight across the Atlantic. He isn't chasing fame, but believes flight can change the world. Exhaustion, fear, and failure threaten him, yet he presses on. The film also highlights the ambition of his supporters—engineers, backers, dreamers—who share his vision and risk everything.
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Captain Nemo
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
Ambition runs deep in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Captain Nemo has a bold vision—to live free beneath the waves, beyond the reach of nations. His ambition fuels incredible inventions, but his thirst for revenge turns that same ambition into obsession. Professor Aronnax is driven by knowledge, eager to explore the mysteries of the deep, while Ned Land, the harpooner, has a simpler ambition—escape at all costs. From scientific discovery to personal freedom, the film shows ambition in many forms—some noble, some dangerous.
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Moana
Moana (2016)
Moana refuses to let fear stop her from saving her island. Instead of fighting, she shows ambition by not giving up and tries her best to restore peace through understanding.
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Rapunzel
Tangled (2010)
Rapunzel is ambitious to see the floating lanterns and experience the world outside her tower. Her determination leads her on an adventure of self-discovery and freedom.
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Quotes on Ambition
"Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings."
— Salvador Dali (1904-1989)
Spanish surrealist artist
"Don't compare yourself with other people; compare yourself with who you were yesterday."
— Jordan Peterson (1962-)
Canadian psychologist author
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
— Mark Twain (1835-1910)
American humorist author
"Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them."
— Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
German-born American physicist
"We must admit that civilization depends on men of ambition, whose enthusiasm and energy create prosperity and security for everyone. Yet how few people are enthusiastic about holiness, and are ambitous to become saints. "
— St. Morgan of Wales (aka Pelagius) (360-420)
Celtic Christian theologian
"If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way."
— Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
American self-help author