"Ambition, if it feeds at all, does so on the ambition of others"

This quote by Susan Sontag suggests that ambition is a trait that is frequently sustained by the aspiration of others. It implies that aspiration is not something that can be accomplished on its own, but rather it is something that is influenced by the ambition of those around us. This could be translated as a warning against relying too greatly on the aspiration of others, as it can cause a lack of self-motivation and ambition. It likewise suggests that ambition is a quality that is contagious, and that it can be spread out from one person to another. Ultimately, this quote motivates us to be conscious of our own aspiration and to strive to be enthusiastic in our own right, instead of counting on the ambition of others.