In this article, let's see what ambition is. In fact, this word is not as harmless as it seems. We will find out later why. First, you need to start by looking at the translation of this word from Church Slavonic. Many contemporaries, especially young people, get confused in the concept or have never heard at all. Secondly, we list in more detail examples to understand what ambition is. The definition of this word, of course, is best given clear and concise. Suppose there is a word "honors." Not everyone knows what it is. And we immediately get the answer: self-assessment in the performance of any action.
What does it mean?
What is ambition? It is better to immediately give a simpler and more understandable answer. Ambition is a love of honor. What do they mean by them? Have you seen how people strive to take first place, to lead in any area of life? They can be called ambitious.
Believe me, "honestly" does not mean "honest", the word "honor" prevails here. If you divide the word "ambition" into two halves, you get the "honor" and "love." What do we get in the end? To love honor, to strive for it. These include fame, leadership, praise.
Ambition is a sin
Let's look at the Christian point of view. Ambition in the Orthodox environment is a sinful act. A Christian should not be so, because it upsets God. A person should be humble, not stand out from others. Jesus Christ himself during his lifetime avoided glory, honor, when healed the sick. Such an example is described in the Holy Gospel.
One must avoid such a vice as ambition. What is this Why vice? After all, any victory brings joy. In fact, such joy is deceiving. There is an episode in the Gospel where Christ speaks a parable about the first and last places: whoever sits among the guests in the front row will be asked to sit in the farthest place. And he who sat modestly and very far away is invited to take a place of honor next to the owner. And Jesus finished this parable something like this: the kingdom of heaven is like this parable.
As modern priests say, ambition is the desire to strive for glory, recognition, and majesty. But this is inherent in everything to a proud person.
Ambition for a contemporary
What is ambition for a modern person? In fact, various forms of aspiration have existed at all times. For example, a young man dreams of becoming an athlete. He is asked: "Why, why?". If he answers: "I want to become a great champion in the world, so that I have awards, respect!" Ambition is on the face. The most vivid and accurate example.
Consider another option. The man got a job. He is a simple employee with a small salary, but he has the ability to manage. He has a big family, not enough money. For the sake of loved ones, and also for the sake of colleagues, he seeks to become a leader. Having become a director, he earns for the family, honestly pays the salary to employees, helps them, strives to be all friend. Can such a person be called ambitious? Of course not. On the contrary, if a simple worker dreamed of becoming a director for the purpose of leadership and honor, then he would most likely not become a subordinate friend and assistant.
How not to be ambitious?
Suppose a person is on his knees before God, he sincerely apologizes for having pride: he looked down upon others and strove to be considered the most important, better than anyone. And now he is ashamed, tormented by conscience. He no longer needs this. He wants to change.
We examined what is ambition. Now let's see what could be the opposite of this vice. As a rule, a person is modest, quiet, inconspicuous. He only obeys implicitly, obeys, unless, of course, a request or order does not go against his conscience.
Anyone who rejects ambition will say for example: I do not need a prize, let it go to another.