Take our Ambition Test

Find a therapist near me

Ambition's ancient roots link it to seeking honor and power, not just achievement.

Excessive ambition may harm trust and collaboration in relationships and teams.

True success can be redefined beyond status—toward kindness, impact, and connection.

Ambition sits at the center of how we understand success. As such, we easily ignore its darker elements. A common understanding of ambition includes “drive and determination.” Like any dynamic we revere, it’s easy to conclude that if a little is good, then a lot is wonderful.

The word ambition's ancient roots may offer meanings that have quietly traveled with it through the ages. One such definition is “going about desiring honor and power.” The phrase “going about” seems to imply a random issuing of overtures hoping to acquire honor and power. As if the identified task at hand is not highly valued, other than its usefulness to promote “power and honor.”

Another old meaning comes from ancient Rome. Ambition described a candidate running for office who sought........

© Psychology Today