The quote “Ambition, and Covetousnesse are Passions that are perpetually incumbent, and pressing” suggests that ambition and greed are fundamental human drives that constantly influence our thoughts and actions. These passions never really leave us; they are persistent forces pushing us to strive for more—whether it’s success, wealth, recognition, or material possessions.
**Understanding the Concepts:**
1. **Ambition** refers to a strong desire to achieve something, often requiring determination and hard work. It can be a positive force that drives individuals to reach their goals, innovate, and improve both personally and professionally.
2. **Covetousness**, on the other hand, implies an intense longing for what others have—often leading to feelings of envy or dissatisfaction with one’s own situation. While it can motivate people to pursue their desires vigorously (perhaps using others’ successes as benchmarks), it can also lead to negative emotions like jealousy or greediness which can harm relationships or ethical standards.
**Depth of the Quote:**
The idea here is twofold:
– First, these passions are described as “perpetually incumbent,” meaning they will always be part of human nature; they aren’t fleeting emotions but rather enduring components of our psyche.
– Second is the implication that these urges create a sort of pressure in our lives—they push us toward action but may also overwhelm us if left unchecked.
**Application in Today’s World:**
In contemporary society:
– **Career Pursuits:** People often chase ambitious career goals fueled by competitiveness seen in corporate culture. The drive for promotions or accolades might inspire hard work but can also breed toxic environments where stress levels rise due to relentless comparisons with colleagues.
– **Consumerism:** The concept of covetousness is evident in consumer culture today—advertisements constantly remind us what we lack compared to others (“keeping up with the Joneses”). This creates pressure not just financially but emotionally as well.
From a personal development standpoint:
1. **Balance Ambition:** It’s crucial for individuals today not just to pursue external markers of success (like titles) but also internal fulfillment—reflecting on why they’re ambitious in the first place. Is it personal growth? A desire for impact?
2. **Channeling Covetousness Constructively:** Instead of allowing envy toward others’ achievements taint your aspirations, use those feelings as motivators for self-improvement without losing sight of gratitude for one’s own journey.
3. **Mindfulness Practices:** Engaging practices such as meditation or journaling helps maintain awareness around these driving passions so one doesn’t lose balance between healthy ambition and destructive coveting.
Ultimately both ambition and covetousness can catalyze growth when understood correctly; embracing them mindfully allows individuals not only personal success but contributes positively towards collective progress within society too!
