“Ambition is the germ from which all growth of nobleness proceeds.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels, plays, and poems such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Salome,” he had a great influence on British literature in the late 19th century through his witty social criticism and humor.
Quote
“Ambition is the germ from which all growth of nobleness proceeds.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde presents ambition as the driving force behind the development of nobleness or greatness. Wilde suggests that ambition—the desire to achieve or succeed—is not merely a personal or material aspiration but the foundation upon which qualities such as honor, virtue, and nobility grow. Just as a germ is the starting point for life, ambition is the seed from which one’s highest potential can be cultivated.
Wilde’s view connects ambition with personal growth, proposing that a strong sense of ambition doesn’t simply lead to external success, but to a higher moral character. It is through the pursuit of ambitious goals that a person refines their character, striving for something beyond the ordinary and moving toward a nobler self.
In modern contexts, this quote could be interpreted as a reflection on the role of ambition in shaping our personal development and moral values. It suggests that ambition, when focused on higher ideals rather than superficial goals, can lead to noble achievements and meaningful success. Wilde encourages us to embrace ambition as a catalyst for not only material achievement but for the growth of virtuous qualities that contribute to a meaningful life.
