On philosophers and kings
73:3
Book Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Book Description: The second volume of Seneca's moral letters to Lucilius. Each letter contains Seneca's advice and wisdom won from a life of Roman politics.
3.
Besides, no man in public life thinks of the many whom he has outstripped; he thinks rather of those by whom he is outstripped.
And these men find it less pleasing to see many behind them than annoying to see anyone ahead of them.
That is the trouble with every sort of ambition; it does not look back.
Nor is it ambition alone that is fickle, but also every sort of craving, because it always begins where it ought to end.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On philosophers and kings
Location: Chapter 73, Section 3
Content:
3.
Besides, no man in public life thinks of the many whom he has outstripped; he thinks rather of those by whom he is outstripped.
And these men find it less pleasing to see many behind them than annoying to see anyone ahead of them.
That is the trouble with every sort of ambition; it does not look back.
Nor is it ambition alone that is fickle, but also every sort of craving, because it always begins where it ought to end.