"Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others"

This quote by Niccolo Machiavelli speaks with the aspiration of males and how it can drive them to look for power and control. It suggests that men will first look for to secure themselves from attack, and then use that security to attack others. This might be interpreted as a warning versus the threats of aspiration, as it can result in a cycle of aggression and violence. It could also be seen as a commentary on the nature of power and how it is typically utilized to oppress and manage others. Ultimately, this quote functions as a suggestion that aspiration can be a double-edged sword, and that it must be utilized with care.