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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Ambition/aspiration difference [Aurelius quote]

I've found some threads about this topic but still I can't see the difference..

How to interpret this quote:

A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires.

Marcus Aurelius

thanks,
Matthew
  

Top answer

We can only really guess at the thinking of a Roman Emperor 2000 years ago. This words may mean something very different to him than to us, due to differences in time, culture and of course language. Possibly in the Latin there are more distinct differences between the two?

— Nona the brit

  • We can only really guess at the thinking of a Roman Emperor 2000 years ago.
  • This words may mean something very different to him than to us, due to differences in time, culture and of course language.
  • Possibly in the Latin there are more distinct differences between the two?
  • Anyway, I think he just means that when you want to improve yourself or your situation, it is better to try to reach the high standards of those you admire, rather than just making sure you are still better than people who are already not as successful as you.
  • Push yourself to achieve more by looking at the best - don't just feel satisfied if you can beat some of the worst!
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1 Answers
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We can only really guess at the thinking of a Roman Emperor 2000 years ago. This words may mean something very different to him than to us, due to differences in time, culture and of course language. Possibly in the Latin there are more distinct differences between the two?

Anyway, I think he just means that when you want to improve yourself or your situation, it is better to try to reac
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