"Great ambition, the desire of real superiority, of leading and directing, seems to be altogether peculiar to man, and speech is the great instrument of ambition"
- Adam Smith
About this Quote
Adam Smith's quote speaks to the distinct ambition of mankind and the power of speech to accomplish it. He recommends that aspiration, the desire to be remarkable and lead others, is a characteristic that is special to human beings. Speech is the tool that enables us to express our aspiration and to pursue it. Smith indicates that without speech, aspiration would be difficult to achieve. Speech is the key to opening our capacity and permitting us to reach our objectives. It is the medium through which we can interact our ideas and desires, and it is the methods by which we can influence and convince others. Speech is the fantastic instrument of aspiration, and it is the power that enables us to recognize our ambitions.