Feb 22 • 14:01 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

The birds in the sky are more beautiful: This is how wise people spoke about high ambition

This article discusses the concept of high ambition through various quotes from historical figures and Islamic scholars, emphasizing the value of perseverance and lofty goals.

The article opens with an evocative scene of a child gazing at the sky in search of birds, symbolizing the idea that true beauty lies in aiming high rather than settling for what is easy or readily available. The discussion is enriched by quotations from notable figures such as Thomas Edison, who asserts that failures are merely steps forward, and Winston Churchill, who highlights that the key to life is the ability to persist despite setbacks. Additionally, the writer Robert Greene is mentioned, who views overcoming fear as essential to liberating one's ambition and potential.

The piece then delves into Islamic heritage, citing views from prominent scholars. Ibn al-Jawzi is referenced for his notion that high ambition signifies a complete intellect, while Al-Jurjani connects ambition with a heart directed towards perfection. The writing brings in perspectives from Al-Mashad al-Dinuri, Ahmad al-Dar'i, and Yazid al-Basatami, who concur that the righteousness of actions is contingent on the sincerity and elevation of one’s aspirations. The insights from these figures offer a profound understanding of ambition through a spiritual lens.

The article also recalls the thoughts of Al-Jahiz, who describes high ambition as a matter of dismissing anything below the ultimate goal, alongside Ibn Hibban's warning against reducing one’s ambition to mere desires. Finally, the narrative draws on the legacy of Umar ibn Abdulaziz, encapsulating the essence of human aspiration and the pursuit of lofty ideals. This blend of historical and contemporary reflections illustrates the enduring significance of high ambition across cultures and time periods.

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