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When we are beginning to live, then we are dying. There is, therefore, nothing more profitless than ambition.

— Theophrastus

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Ambition

More quotes by Theophrastus

Remember that life holds out many pleasing deceits to us by the vanity of glory; for that when we are beginning to live, then we are dying. There is, therefore, nothing more profitless than ambition.

Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.

If you are an ignorant man, you are acting wisely; but if you have had any education, you are behaving like a fool.

Superstition would seem to be simply cowardice in regard to the supernatural.

The Unseasonable man is one who will go up to a busy person, and open his heart to him. He will serenade his mistress when she has a fever. He will address himself to a man who has been cast in a surety-suit, and request him to become his security. He will come to give evidence when the trial is over.

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To rank the effort above the prize may be called love.

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The poor, by thinking unceasingly of money, reach the point of losing the spiritual advantages of non-possession, thereby sinking as low as the rich.

Emil Cioran The Trouble With Being Born (1973)

A wise man is cured of ambition by ambition itself; his aim is so exalted that riches, office, fortune, and favor cannot satisfy him.

Jean de La Bruyère Les Caractères (1688)

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