Macbeth Ambition Essay

Ambition, being a driving force within the human spirit, has always been a long studied topic of fascination. It is an innate desire in all people to strive for more, to reach heights that were previously thought impossible. There is a notable distinction between different types of ambition, however. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor famous for his philosophical work once said that: “A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean person, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar person aspires." With this quote, Marcus Aurelius clearly explains the inherent differences between aspiration and ambition, shedding light on the qualities

In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is just and honorable. Loyal to the Scottish king Duncan, Macbeth is portrayed as a valiant soldier who just won a great battle against the attacking Norwegians. Indeed, a captain in Duncan’s army describing the battle to the King characterizes Macbeth in glowing terms, saying, “For brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name), / Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel…” (Shakespeare 9). King Duncan is also impressed by Macbeth’s actions, responding to the captain retelling by saying, “O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman!” (Shakespeare 9). In fact, because of Macbeth’s victory, the King grants him a new title, Thane of Cawdor. It is clear that while Macbeth is still loyal to the King, he is not a victim to the ambition that would lead to his death at the end of the play. Rather, through his loyalty to King Duncan and his bravery in the battle against the Norwegians, Macbeth expresses good aspiration. He is justly rewarded for this, as well, being granted a new title and earning the respect and good will of the

He argues that certain types of ambition can be beneficial, driving people to strive for excellence. The ambition he describes is similar to the aspiration described by Marcus Aurelius in his quote, as both argue that if someone is rooted in a genuine desire for positive achievement. If a person follows this aspiration, they can accomplish personal and societal growth, advancing knowledge and civilization. Bacon, however, also warns about unchecked or excessive ambition, which can be driven by selfishness, greed and the pursuit of power. He argues that this ambition is fundamentally wrong, saying that it “is the decay of a whole age” (Bacon). This ambition, being different from aspiration, can breed corruption and the exploitation of others. Ultimately, by exploring both aspects of human desire, Bacon encourages others to look deeply into their lives and determine why they do the things that they