Ambitions

Ambitions

by Anna Pivtorak Kostyuk

05.11.2025

When I hear the word “ambition,” what immediately comes to mind is the process of achieving goals. To me, it is the internal fuel that drives us forward. And yes, I do consider myself an ambitious person, as this energy feels essential for growth. Ambition pushes us to evolve and become better versions of ourselves.

As a child, my ambitions were simple: like many children, I wanted to make my parents proud through my achievements. Now, my ambitions focus on self-development—learning something new every day. That is an ambition I believe I can fulfill. Yet some ambitions are impossible, like growing taller or becoming younger.

Ambition is a double-edged sword. It can inspire, but it can also consume us if we become too demanding of ourselves or others. It turns truly dangerous when we use morally questionable or harmful methods to reach our goals.

Reflecting on Thomas Carlyle’s quote, “I’ve got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom,” I completely agree. I tend to carry many responsibilities simultaneously, and a life full of purpose, even if exhausting, feels far more meaningful than one of stagnation.

While I agree with the first part of Thomas Jefferson’s statement — “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal” — I must challenge the second: “Nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” History proves that individuals driven by evil ambitions — such as Hitler or, more recently, Putin — can indeed achieve terrible goals like war and genocide. The absence of morality doesn’t always mean failure — at least not immediately.

🖋️ “Ambition without morality is a flame without light.”

— Anna Pivtorak Kostyuk

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