Ambrose Bierce Quote - Ambition. An overmastering desire to be vilified by enemies while living and made ridiculous by friends when dead.

Ambition Quotes

Ambition. An overmastering desire to be vilified by enemies while living and made ridiculous by friends when dead.

"Ambition. An overmastering desire to be vilified by enemies while living and made ridiculous by friends when dead."

— Ambrose Bierce

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Author: Ambrose Bierce
Category: Ambition
Tags: Ambition Fame Reputation Sardonic

Meaning of this quote

Ambition is portrayed as exposing a person to hostile criticism and flattering distortion.

Key takeaway: Consider the social costs of recognition alongside its rewards.

Origin of the quote

The Devil’s Dictionary.

Who actually said this?

Verified

Matched in Bierce’s satirical dictionary; dictionary labels and punctuation may be omitted in the supplied title. These are satirical definitions, not neutral factual definitions.

Attributed author: Ambrose Bierce

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