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Andrew Carnegie's insights on Ambition aren't theoretical—they're battle-tested wisdom from someone who operated at the highest level. This collection distills that experience into quotable principles, each with source context for verification. When you're navigating Ambition in the real world, these quotes offer the kind of practical guidance that only comes from direct experience.
"There is no use in helping a man who will not help himself. You cannot push anyone up a ladder unless he be willing to climb a little himself."
"Aim for the highest; and when it is a question of doing your duty, do not hesitate."
"Confidence is the foundation of all great achievement."
"The man who starts out with the idea of making a fortune is not the man who will succeed."
"Think of yourself as on the threshold of unparalleled success. A whole, clear, glorious life lies before you."
"Aim for the highest and when it comes to the work, give it your all."
"The man who starts out with the idea of making a fortune may not succeed; he must have the ambition to do something else."
"Aim for the highest; and when it is a question of duty, do not hesitate."
"The man who is to succeed must be a man of one idea."
"The 'average man' is a nonentity; he has no confidence in himself."
"I would as soon leave to my son a curse as the almighty dollar."
"You cannot push anyone up the ladder unless he is willing to climb."
"Whatever I engage in, I must push inordinately."
"Aim for the highest; and when you reach it, aim higher still."
"I shall argue that strong powers are the best, and that it is better to be a big fish in a little pond than a little fish in a big pond."
"The man who starts out with the idea of making a fortune is not going to succeed; he must have a larger ambition."
"You cannot push any one up a ladder unless he be willing to climb a little himself."
"The 'average' man is a non-entity; he is a 'standard' man."
Seeing how Andrew Carnegie approaches Ambition helps you apply the idea with more precision.
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