“No man in public life thinks of the many whom he has surpassed; he thinks rather of those by whom he is surpassed. And these men find it less pleasing to see many behind them than annoying to see anyone ahead of them. That is the trouble with every sort of ambition; it does not look back.”
My dear friend, I am delighted to have received your correspondence, and I am eager to assist you in understanding the intricacies of the passage we are presented with. It is a testament to your own pursuit of wisdom that you find yourself reading these words as a way to seek clarity on this matter.
In our pursuits, it is all too easy to become consumed by ambition, a relentless force that drives us to fixate upon those who have achieved more than us. This is a natural inclination, as humans are innately drawn to comparison. However, this fixation can prevent us from appreciating our progress and the individuals we have surpassed in our journey.
Indeed, ambition is a double-edged sword; it can motivate us to strive for greatness yet simultaneously lead us astray if we do not maintain a sense of perspective. We ought to be cognizant of the successes we have attained and the wisdom we have garnered throughout our lives rather than merely gazing forward to the heights we have yet to reach.
Reflecting upon the progress already made thus far is of paramount importance for the cultivation of a fulfilling life. By engaging in retrospective practice, we gain a heightened sense of self-awareness and foster a spirit of gratitude for the milestones we have achieved. Such retrospection allows us to acknowledge the lessons learnt, the obstacles surmounted, and the personal growth that has transpired. In doing so, we arm ourselves with a deeper understanding of our strengths and the areas in which we may seek further improvement. With that comes a perspective that nurtures a balanced and harmonious state of mind, fostering within us a profound appreciation for our journey and the wisdom gleaned along the way.
Allow some guidance on incorporating this into your daily routine. At your dedicated time each day, preferably in the quiet hours of the morning or evening, within the pages of your journal, write down a handful of things you are grateful for. Make a deliberate effort to note at least one instance from your career history that yielded positive outcomes. This could be a project you successfully completed, a promotion you earned, or even a relationship you forged that led to fruitful collaborations.
As you pen your thoughts, contemplate the factors that contributed to the success of the chosen instance. Take a moment to express gratitude for the lessons learnt and the opportunities that arose from it. This practice of acknowledging past achievements will not only foster a sense of appreciation but also reinforce your self-confidence and resilience in the face of future challenges.
To go further, consider offering guidance and mentorship to those at earlier stages in their pursuits. Consider these words:
“Are there many who surpass you? Consider how many more are behind than ahead of you. Do you ask me what is your greatest fault? Your bookkeeping is wrong. What you have paid out, you value highly; what you have received, low.”
When we become fixated on the heights we have yet to scale, we often overlook the countless individuals who may be trailing behind us in their respective journeys. Such myopia indicates a disconnection from the broader tapestry of human experience, one which we must strive to rectify.
To achieve a more balanced perspective, we must adjust our mental ledgers, placing greater emphasis on the efforts and sacrifices made by others in pursuit of their own ambitions. By cultivating empathy and understanding for their struggles, we enrich our lives by offering guidance, mentorship, and support.
To incorporate this altruistic outlook into your daily life, make a conscious effort to acknowledge and appreciate the challenges those around you face. Endeavour to lend a helping hand, sharing your wisdom and experience to assist them in surmounting obstacles and progressing towards their goals.
By actively engaging in the uplifting of others, you will contribute to their personal growth and enrich your character through the cultivation of compassion, humility, and generosity. This newfound balance in your mental accounts will ultimately lead to a more fulfilling existence as you navigate the complexities of life with a more profound sense of purpose, gratitude, and interconnectedness.
At all times, endeavour to maintain a sense of balance in your aspirations. Whilst ambition can be a powerful motivator, it is crucial to temper this drive with a commitment to virtue and the pursuit of wisdom. As the wise man Epictetus counselled,
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
My dear friend, heed these words and strive to balance your ambition with a deep appreciation for your achievements and a dedication to guiding others on their path. By doing so, you will cultivate a more prosperous and fulfilling life while remaining anchored in the steadfast principles of Stoic philosophy.
