Is it Wrong to Lack Ambition?

[sgamer82]

I was chatting with an acquaintance of mine earlier tonight. In the process of doing so, I wound up telling something about myself that seemed to leave him offended. As if I was doing something wrong and horrible. That "something about myself" and the response it got tonight has provoked me to ask this question:

Is it wrong to not be ambitous?

I've never felt any strong desire to be or to do anything. I've never had some goal that I absolutely HAD to accomplish. My dream job is one where I can go in, do my time, go home, and forget that the place exists altogether. That job would support a decent place to live, and overall I'd be free to do as I like in my free-time. That's pretty much it. In terms of ambition, I'm Shikamaru or, to refer to my avatar, Justy Ueki Tylor.

And what I absolutely can not understand, is why this seems so odd to people. I get that it's generally seen as better to have some goal to work towards, but the way I've been left feeling after I've told people this, you'd think it was required. The fact is I'd be perfectly happy with a life where I could be content, and not have to go out and be a go-getter, and live life to its fullest! A phrase which, by the way, always makes me feel as though I should take up bungee jumping or skydiving.

People act like it's downright wrong to feel this way and for the life of me, I can not understand what the problem is. I will concede that you can probably attach any number of negative adjectives to this idea; but "wrong" is, quite frankly, not one of them. To quote Captain Tylor, "You only live once. Don't live bound by other peoples' rules. Do what you want the way you want to." That's a philosophy I've always thought sounded good, how many people do things in life simply because it's expected? I don't want to feel that way. For better or worse, I want to live my life the way I want. Even if I never do anything meaningful with my life, I'm fine with that.

So, why is it seemingly regarded as wrong to lack ambition?

[Gorlom]

Maybe they missinterperate you in such a way that they think that you think you are better then them?

[sgamer82]

Hm. Possibly. Though I can't think of anything I say or do that gives that off. But then I'm not good at reading social situations, so it could be I'm doing that with zero awareness of it.

[Vanessa]

I think it's because people as a whole are very competitive and expect everyone else to share that same sentiment. Anyone who doesn't, in their eyes, have a desire to accomplish something "meaningful" is seen as a person who is simply wasting time. I think it's great that you're living the way that you want. I mean what good is life if you aren't doing the things you want to do. Even if it means having a simple, care-free life; as long as you're happy with what you've done and have no regrets then more power to you. The best I can say is if someone ever brings it up is to explain your views, and hope they understand.

I don't understand why your friend or anyone for that matter would be offended by the way you do things if it isn't affecting them directly in a negative manner. Personally I'm working on things that will lead to something that I consider important and will make me(and hopefully others) happy. One thing I would never do is look down on you or anyone else because you're not wanting to make some impact, be it large or even small scale.

Reading over my post; I don't even know if I answered your question.

[sgamer82]

@Kidany:

Reading over my post; I don't even know if I answered your question.

Actually, your first paragraph seems to me to be mostly what it is. The person I spoke to had similar sentiments about 'wasting time.' Now I kinda wish I'd thought to save the chat so I can refer to it. Ah well.

[GearSecond]

Seems like your "ambition" lies elsewhere. You just want to be carefree. Sure, everyone does, but you really don't see a reason to make progress in the world. With everyone feeling like they are in constant competition, to not only keep themselves/their family going, but to do so better than anyone else. I come from your side of things, I really just don't care, nor do I get swept up in anything like that.

Being completely honest, who's made a mark on this world? One everyone knows? For one, famous people usually don't. Infamous people are better. But when it comes to history, all your work might be for one reference in some book somewhere. Nothing spectacular. Why do the extra work for the one in a billion chance you might get that reference to yourself somewhere when you can just keep on going and not bother?

So yes, to others, it looks like you are "wasting time", then again, the people you are talking to are suffering from common delusions, they see themselves as having a greater impact on the world around them, as getting farther in life, solely for wanting it to be that way. They think they'll reach some point "eventually". Life doesn't care about YOUR plans, so if you don't really have an exact plan in the first place, then you can't really get knocked down, or feel like you're not fulfilling something. I'd say you're in a better position than anyone with a need for progression.

[*Meh*]

People often confuse "unambitious" with "lazy". What you have described as wanting from life does not seem lazy at all; it just seems static.

From the point of view that "the only constant in life is constant change", a static lifestyle is not merely unproductive, it is counterproductive. It lulls the mind into believing that the status quo is unchangeable, and leaves a person vulnerable and devastated when swift, terrible change enters their life: The loss of a loved one, personal injury, loss of job or home.

Of course, this particular point of view doesn't really help to soften the blow at all. All it really offers is a cynical admonishment to never relax, because that's when life will kick you. Except for truly thoughtless people, (who probably wouldn't ask such a question in the first place) everyone is aware that changes will happen in their lives. They just don't know when.

Another problem is the misconception that unambitious people are moochers, financial vampires who suck dry their friends and families. Since you do aspire to have a job that will be sufficient to support yourself, you are clearly not a moocher.

Then again, there is the crab bucket mentality. Some people have been pressured their entire lives to always seek something better, and resent the peace of mind that the unambitious possess.

I don't think any of this proves that being unambitious is wrong. It merely illustrates reasons why people might think it is wrong.

[AWB]

I know I have nothing to change your friend's mind, but I do know he is wrong. Ambition is an option of life. Just like romance or a code of conduct.

Mind telling us why your friend believes everyone needs ambition?

[Herackles]

i totally know what you mean man.

I think that because we'll all be killed by time soon, we should just do whatever the hell we want and the government should pay for it all. That would be a true utopia.

[Gorlom]

Is Melee suggesting communism or is he taking it one step further?

[chitose-himura]

Just remember that all the ambitious people are working their asses off so that one day, they don't have to be ambitious anymore.

The only footprint they'll leave in the world is a carbon one.

[Herackles]

im taking it an endless amount of steps further. our fun shouldn't be limited if we're mortal.

[Luffy D. Ace]

i agree with melee

[Insider2000]

I have this issue when it comes to be a "Senior" high school student.

1. I didn't go to prom.
2. I didn't get my cap and gown pictures.
3. I helped my yearbook staff instead of hang out with other seniors during a "Senior Picnic".
4. I don't do ANYTHING after school related.
5. I'm not part of any club except the yearbook staff.
6. I've stopped taking honors classes. Never taken an AP class.

(Side Note on Advanced Placement classes. Why the hell do people take these classes? Most of them tell me that "they won't have to take it in college". YOU WANT TO FREAKING TAKE IT IN COLLEGE! Maybe I don't know anything about college, but college sounds a billion times better than High School. Not to mention, I'm not rushing towards the work force like half of my senior class.)

Some of my friends call me a "failure of a senior". I'm sorry, but I'm acing all my classes and I'm going to graduation. Hell, I helped make the entire yearbook. Stop bitching.

[Kingoffans]

Problem with today's educational system in America (don't know about the other countries) is that students are being pressured to take more courses than they can bear. They're being influenced by the competitive nature they think is the business world and are doing everything they can to get into a good college including not learning a damn thing!!! It's shocking but apparently teenagers are more interested in cramming everything just to make the grade and they wouldn't know shit about the subject when they finally do get into a good college. They're taking all these damn courses to try to get a competitive edge and they're just burning themselves out. Now I've always been a lazy bastard. I have a take it easy philosophy. I'm not American but if I was, I bet I'd employ it anyway. People can accuse me of not being ambitious but at least I'm living my teenage (if eighteen is still teenage O_O) life in a calm and emotionally fulfilling matter and not burning myself out and I'd actually remember what I learned when (or better say if :/) I get into University.

(Though to be honest I did cram Philosophy today but I have always been good in it anyway)

[Insider2000]

@Kingoffans:

Problem with today's educational system in America (don't know about the other countries) is that students are being pressured to take more courses than they can bear. They're being influenced by the competitive nature they think is the business world and are doing everything they can to get into a good college including not learning a damn thing!!! It's shocking but apparently teenagers are more interested in cramming everything just to make the grade and they wouldn't know shit about the subject when they finally do get into a good college. They're taking all these damn courses to try to get a competitive edge and they're just burning themselves out. Now I've always been a lazy bastard. I have a take it easy philosophy. I'm not American but if I was, I bet I'd employ it anyway. People can accuse me of not being ambitious but at least I'm living my teenage (if eighteen is still teenage O_O) life in a calm and emotionally fulfilling matter and not burning myself out and I'd actually remember what I learned when (or better say if :/) I get into University.

(Though to be honest I did cram Philosophy today but I have always been good in it anyway)

KoF is my official person of the day!

I'm American, and I can't stand how much everyone is rushing to "adulthood". I swear, I have a friend who is constantly telling me, "I can't wait til' I have a job". NO! Hell no! It's not that I don't want to work (which I don't, but I'm going to have to). It's not that I'm afraid that I'm not going to have free time.

These kids are so immature, I feel old. And it's not that I'm stuck up, I just don't want to grow up that quickly. Is it weird that I consider "not growing up too quickly" to be mature?

[Kingoffans]

Not at all. Being a teenager is about enjoying your childhood while it lasts before rushing off to the competitive business world. You're supposed to take things easy, go to some parties, fool around, do something reckless, anything juvenile in those years. It's the natural thing to do. Not rush off to a hectic life even faster :/

[Vanessa]

@kingoffans & insider2000

You two aren't getting the topic sgamer82 brought up. It's not about a country's educational system or a certain demographic. People as a whole are a competitive wish to improve upon the current situation. You're making it seem like it's a bad thing to be ambitious from an early stage. If that's how these people want to live then who are you two to say they are wrong for it.

I just find it a bit hypocritical of you two since by your posts you don't like someone telling you how to live your life then lambast these same people for not sharing your same sentiments regarding this topic. If my assumption is correct than you frankly are no better than the very people you two belittle.

[DeadJustice]

Do whatever you feel is good for you.

My only hang up would be if an unambitious person were to complain about not having things in life like a great spouse/significant other or they complain about something else later.

That doesn't sound like a problem with you though. In a way you seem ambitious about being unambitious.

[Kuroneko]

Well, I think there is nothing wrong with your way of thinking about ambition sgamer82. It is just a part of society believes that everybody must have some kind of "important" role to the world, which in reality it's not true. You should do what has a meaning to you or what you really want to do.

[Mr. Lucci]

@Insider2000:

I have this issue when it comes to be a "Senior" high school student.

1. I didn't go to prom.
2. I didn't get my cap and gown pictures.
3. I helped my yearbook staff instead of hang out with other seniors during a "Senior Picnic".
4. I don't do ANYTHING after school related.
5. I'm not part of any club except the yearbook staff.
6. I've stopped taking honors classes. Never taken an AP class.

(Side Note on Advanced Placement classes. Why the hell do people take these classes? Most of them tell me that "they won't have to take it in college". YOU WANT TO FREAKING TAKE IT IN COLLEGE! Maybe I don't know anything about college, but college sounds a billion times better than High School. Not to mention, I'm not rushing towards the work force like half of my senior class.)

Some of my friends call me a "failure of a senior". I'm sorry, but I'm acing all my classes and I'm going to graduation. Hell, I helped make the entire yearbook. Stop bitching.

That sounds a bit like me. Only I'm not a senior, and I've never taken an AP class, and I never intend to.

EDIT: also Sgamer, that sounds a bit like me as well.

I'd say just don't let anyone else tell you it's wrong or anything. It's fine if you're not a "real go-getter."

[sgamer82]

I wanted to post a "Thank You" message to everyone who's replied so far, and reply to others in turn. It definitely helps me feel a bit better knowing I'm not the only one who's felt like this, and also that not everyone sees the point of view as "wrong."

@_Meh_:

People often confuse "unambitious" with "lazy". What you have described as wanting from life does not seem lazy at all; it just seems static.

I think you may have it here. I think this may be something of what people think about this POV.@_Meh_:

Another problem is the misconception that unambitious people are moochers, financial vampires who suck dry their friends and families. Since you do aspire to have a job that will be sufficient to support yourself, you are clearly not a moocher.

Then again, there is the crab bucket mentality. Some people have been pressured their entire lives to always seek something better, and resent the peace of mind that the unambitious possess.

Yeah. While I wouldn't necessarily mind not working, I don't want to be or feel like a mooch. I want to, as much as possible, earn my keep. Realistically, short of a lottery win, that means a job. But that's how it goes, whaddyagonnado?

I hadn't considered the "crab bucket" thing. Why is it called that, btw?@AWB:

Mind telling us why your friend believes everyone needs ambition?

Truthfully, I'm not sure. Things just sort of went downhill soon as I brought the subject up.@DeadJustice:

My only hang up would be if an unambitious person were to complain about not having things in life like a great spouse/significant other or they complain about something else later.

That doesn't sound like a problem with you though. In a way you seem ambitious about being unambitious.

Heh, thanks. I agree, too, about the complaining. I wouldn't feel a right to complain about something I never made the effort to get. But then, if I tried and failed, I'd think I had the right to whine a little…@Kuroneko:

Well, I think there is nothing wrong with your way of thinking about ambition sgamer82. It is just a part of society believes that everybody must have some kind of "important" role to the world, which in reality it's not true. You should do what has a meaning to you or what you really want to do.

Agreed. If you're not living life your way, doing what you want for your own reasons, then what's the point?

The high school bit sounds like me, too. I did nothing extracurricular. I did get some cap and gown pics, but I never actually went through with the graduation ceremony so it was sort of a moot point (not entirely lack of ambition, that particular year was just kinda s****y). I actively resisted advanced placement, having had honors/AP(?) math classes in Junior high, in High school I was very specific in my request for a NON-honors math class. Perhaps too specific, as I actually wound up in what I think may have been the most basic math class they had at the time. Not that I minded, it was easy as heck, could often have homework done before class was up. Did do some AP English, honestly didn't mind. At least early on, I had a good teacher in it.

Finally, thank you again, everyone who posted and who will post. This thread helped take a load off my mind.

[Mokenda_mint]

Nope, nothing wrong with it. I lack it all the time :P

[Capt Haggis]

I think we're alike in this. Once while going to checkout a new college for me my sister was panicking since we were having trouble finding it. I told her to relax and she claimed I was to easygoing. Am I? Probably, but is any better being so stressed that it effects her health?

I say our friends and family want us to be the best we can be. But they also want us to be happy and how can we if we're not true to our nature?

[Kingoffans]

@Kidany:

@kingoffans & insider2000

You two aren't getting the topic sgamer82 brought up. It's not about a country's educational system or a certain demographic. People as a whole are a competitive wish to improve upon the current situation. You're making it seem like it's a bad thing to be ambitious from an early stage. If that's how these people want to live then who are you two to say they are wrong for it.

I just find it a bit hypocritical of you two since by your posts you don't like someone telling you how to live your life then lambast these same people for not sharing your same sentiments regarding this topic. If my assumption is correct than you frankly are no better than the very people you two belittle.

It's not really out of point. People are taking extra courses and putting tons of studying hours with no breaks to get the competitive edge in getting into a good college. I think that counts as ambition. And while it's true people should be able to do what they want, there has to come a time when someone should make an intervention. What I mean, is too much is too much. Ambition is good but too much of it will result in taking a workload that you just can't handle. And you end up burning yourself out or forgetting what you learned. A friend of my Mom's daughter went to do her University Entrance exams (It was Chemistry) and she completely blanked out on the subject. She couldn't even do the paper. She's gonna have to repeat the entire year if she even tries.

Now I don't know the details but from what my Mom said, she studied her ass off, too much it seems. Maybe it was just pressure, who knows? Point being, if you take too much of anything including ambition it will only affect you negatively in the end. It may seem hypocritical telling them tot take it easy but it really is for their own good. Is it hypocritical to tell a fat man to go on a diet? It's the same thing here. And if you say it is then sorry but as far as I'm concerned a person's life is more important than their ambitions.
And before you say it, Studying too hard and taking too many courses CAN kill you. Apart from the sleep deprivation that can cause fatal accidents, the people who put their guts and soul into their ambition probably expect to reap the benefits of their hard work. That failure is not even possible. Of course we both realize that that's not how the world works, and if they do fail, after realizing that after all their hard work, that after being ambitious in securing their future, all the painful hours and toil and blood and sweat, they realize they just used up their teenage-hood for nothing, it could lead to serious depression and probable suicide.

And that just isn't acceptable in my eyes. That's why people should just take it easy and not be overly ambitious. So they can enjoy their youth and if they don't pass, they'll have the courage to try again and not have serious mental break down. Of course this is all my opinion. I have no power over anyone else.

All I can suggest is just take it easy. Seriously, you'll live happier if you do.

[*Meh*]

The crab bucket effect is so named because of the actual phenomenon observed by crab fishers: once a crab tries to climb out of the bucket, another crab grabs it and pulls it back down. Those that wish to escape are hampered by the efforts of those around them.

[Devilfruitgrower]

Wow, this is a thread i've been waiting for.

My friend and I always talk about life etc. during our lunch and we had a discussion like this once.

Nobody makes you ambitous. Only finding somthing a love, finding a passion and rushing to it. Things can make you rush to all you wanted.

Luffy: He hears about the title of the Pirate king, he wants it, and he is ambitous to get to it. Same with Zoro, Nami, all the entire crew. Each has a different ambition. I believe to live a life that makes you happy is your ambition.

People think that having ambitions automatically means you're shooting for the stars. No, it's as simple as wanting to be happy. to be married with kids. It's simple enough. You want to live happily with plenty of free time. There's your ambition.

I guess the questiom should be, is it bad to have little ambition. And there's nothing wrong with that.

[Insider2000]

@Kidany:

@kingoffans & insider2000

You two aren't getting the topic sgamer82 brought up. It's not about a country's educational system or a certain demographic. People as a whole are a competitive wish to improve upon the current situation. You're making it seem like it's a bad thing to be ambitious from an early stage. If that's how these people want to live then who are you two to say they are wrong for it.

I just find it a bit hypocritical of you two since by your posts you don't like someone telling you how to live your life then lambast these same people for not sharing your same sentiments regarding this topic. If my assumption is correct than you frankly are no better than the very people you two belittle.

???

When did I lambast them?

Not to mention, I'm not belittling anyone. I'm simply saying, "Why do we have to rush to grow up". I can't tell you how much I deal with adults saying, "I never got the chance to do what I wanted to do". And by being somewhat unambicious (in terms of rushing through life), you get to enjoy the things that most people miss in life.

[Vanessa]

@Kingoffans:

It's not really out of point. People are taking extra courses and putting tons of studying hours with no breaks to get the competitive edge in getting into a good college. I think that counts as ambition. And while it's true people should be able to do what they want, there has to come a time when someone should make an intervention. What I mean, is too much is too much. Ambition is good but too much of it will result in taking a workload that you just can't handle. And you end up burning yourself out or forgetting what you learned. A friend of my Mom's daughter went to do her University Entrance exams (It was Chemistry) and she completely blanked out on the subject. She couldn't even do the paper. She's gonna have to repeat the entire year if she even tries.

Now I don't know the details but from what my Mom said, she studied her ass off, too much it seems. Maybe it was just pressure, who knows? Point being, if you take too much of anything including ambition it will only affect you negatively in the end. It may seem hypocritical telling them tot take it easy but it really is for their own good. Is it hypocritical to tell a fat man to go on a diet? It's the same thing here. And if you say it is then sorry but as far as I'm concerned a person's life is more important than their ambitions.
And before you say it, Studying too hard and taking too many courses CAN kill you. Apart from the sleep deprivation that can cause fatal accidents, the people who put their guts and soul into their ambition probably expect to reap the benefits of their hard work. That failure is not even possible. Of course we both realize that that's not how the world works, and if they do fail, after realizing that after all their hard work, that after being ambitious in securing their future, all the painful hours and toil and blood and sweat, they realize they just used up their teenage-hood for nothing, it could lead to serious depression and probable suicide.

And that just isn't acceptable in my eyes. That's why people should just take it easy and not be overly ambitious. So they can enjoy their youth and if they don't pass, they'll have the courage to try again and not have serious mental break down. Of course this is all my opinion. I have no power over anyone else.

All I can suggest is just take it easy. Seriously, you'll live happier if you do.

You just proved about what I assumed in my last post with the majority of you've written here, albeit a lot was useless fluff. I'm not going to derail this topic any further so I'll just leave it at that.

[Sea]

No it is not.
To be content is to be happy.
I however choose a path that I can experience both pain and happiness. To have ambition can be pretty traumatizing, but to me it makes life more interesting, challenging.
But it's totally fine if others don't have one.

[Kitsune Inferno]

Holy bump from hell, Sea.

But it was worth it to see Insider getting chewed out by Vanessa.

Kishishishishishishishishi…

Just kidding.

Anyways, getting on topic. I have dreams. I have goals. But I lack ambition. I find myself wondering if that's a bad thing or not myself. I can't seem to put my own goals into motion. I'm... probably not an expert on the subject. And seeing as this is a two-year old topic, it probably doesn't matter much, my input, that is.

[Insider2000]

@Kitsune:

But it was worth it to see Insider getting chewed out by Vanessa.

Kishishishishishishishishi…

shoves foot up KI's ass

Just kidding.

…..Well you better get my foot out of there!

[CCC]

I know this topic is laughably old and people have aged two years since then but…

@Insider2000:

(Side Note on Advanced Placement classes. Why the hell do people take these classes? Most of them tell me that "they won't have to take it in college". YOU WANT TO FREAKING TAKE IT IN COLLEGE! Maybe I don't know anything about college, but college sounds a billion times better than High School. Not to mention, I'm not rushing towards the work force like half of my senior class.)

No, you don't want to freaking take it in college. People at my school who didn't take AP Calc were stuck in two introductory, required, easy as fuck math classes. I got to skip those, and I also skipped Econ 1 and moved onto the other Econ classes for my major right from the start, because I took AP Econ Micro/Macro. The point is that if you're not wasting time on some shitty intro class that you might have been able to skip, then you get to fill that slot with something awesome like "Dinosaurs" or "Pirates" or "Fantasy and Science Fiction Languages" (basically a class whose reading list was Lord of the Rings and the Klingon Dictionary).

It might seem like the choice to take or not take AP classes is about ambition (at the time), but it's not. It's about thinking of the big picture so you can get more out of college.

Again, I'm sure you might put things differently (two years after posting), but I'm just sayin'…

And to be on-topic... uh... obviously it's not wrong, as long as you don't complain when the great life you thought you had coming to you never arrives because you never took any initiative to make it happen.

[Airflow]

We all have ambition, we just have an ambition for different things. Some of us want to change the world, some of us merely want to get through it. As long as you don't drain the days away in a pit of apathy then any other choice is up to you.

[Insider2000]

CCC, you want to know the difference between now and the time I posted that?

Then, I was in high school.
Now, I'm in college.

I take everything back.

[Jazzy Jinx]

Dude, college is the balls.

On-topic: Uh, I'm ambitious but I respect people's rights to live their lives the way they want to. My ambition is rather small, anyway. I just want to get one person to enjoy reading the story I've dedicated the majority of my life to. If I can see it published then I'll be happy. However, I definitely see where people are coming from with having a quiet and content life. I, personally, have too much excitement in mine and just want to halt everything altogether and live a boring, peaceful life (not described in my words; I'd use something like "ideal").

[CCC]

@Insider2000:

CCC, you want to know the difference between now and the time I posted that?

Then, I was in high school.
Now, I'm in college.

I take everything back.

Just as I expected XD
Glad you understand.

[Zack]

!

[eerie]

@HiroVoid:

! [qimg]http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1285/naruto11906.jpg[/qimg]

that makes me want to cry. Kishi, do you remember this? bring it back, you fuck. bring it back.

[Smudger]

@CCC:

I know this topic is laughably old and people have aged two years since then but….

Laughably old = 2 years.

Ya learn something new everyday.
@_Meh_:

The crab bucket effect is so named because of the actual phenomenon observed by crab fishers: once a crab tries to climb out of the bucket, another crab grabs it and pulls it back down. Those that wish to escape are hampered by the efforts of those around them.

Finally I have a name for this phenomenon.

[CCC]

Um. Yeah. When you're talking about a 10% increase in someone's age, or the difference between being in high school versus college, 2 years is a very long time.

[GEPPETTOSMONSTER]

@sgamer82:

I was chatting with an acquaintance of mine earlier tonight. In the process of doing so, I wound up telling something about myself that seemed to leave him offended. As if I was doing something wrong and horrible. That "something about myself" and the response it got tonight has provoked me to ask this question:

Is it wrong to not be ambitous?

I've never felt any strong desire to be or to do anything. I've never had some goal that I absolutely HAD to accomplish. My dream job is one where I can go in, do my time, go home, and forget that the place exists altogether. That job would support a decent place to live, and overall I'd be free to do as I like in my free-time. That's pretty much it. In terms of ambition, I'm Shikamaru or, to refer to my avatar, Justy Ueki Tylor.

And what I absolutely can not understand, is why this seems so odd to people. I get that it's generally seen as better to have some goal to work towards, but the way I've been left feeling after I've told people this, you'd think it was required. The fact is I'd be perfectly happy with a life where I could be content, and not have to go out and be a go-getter, and live life to its fullest! A phrase which, by the way, always makes me feel as though I should take up bungee jumping or skydiving.

People act like it's downright wrong to feel this way and for the life of me, I can not understand what the problem is. I will concede that you can probably attach any number of negative adjectives to this idea; but "wrong" is, quite frankly, not one of them. To quote Captain Tylor, "You only live once. Don't live bound by other peoples' rules. Do what you want the way you want to." That's a philosophy I've always thought sounded good, how many people do things in life simply because it's expected? I don't want to feel that way. For better or worse, I want to live my life the way I want. Even if I never do anything meaningful with my life, I'm fine with that.

So, why is it seemingly regarded as wrong to lack ambition?

I see nothing wrong with this. Just as long as the Job you'd get is stress free than that would actually sound quite ideal.

[Flux]

How apt, I am just back from a Seminar on 'The Great Gatsby' by Scott Fitzgerald.

We discussed Gatsby in reference with the rise of the middle classes and consumer age, and Bourgeois Modernity, and how that clashed with the Aesthetic Modernity.

And how it was Gatsby's whole perception of things was warped. The dreams, the aspirations led him to chase something that was unnobtainable, wealth, riches, in order to seek the approval of Daisy, his personal 'holy grail' - except she wasn't a holy grail. She is flawed, and not worth it. And that was why Gatsby, like Myrtle died - he was a tragic character, the 'Icarus' (Promethius, etc) Archetype - the one who dared to go to far and paid the price.

That one is so focussed on success in the future they neglect their present, and that modern audiences care not about beauty or artistic value, but a pricetag, and how that instantly takes away from anything.

We obviously discussed Henry Ford and his quotable self in relation to the topic, and from there spoke about how the advertising and media then began to warp people's perceptions, ie, With Ford, ANYONE can have a car, which could slowly evolve into, If ANYONE can have a car, I need one.

A quote I loved was "Capitalism keeps the Hamsters running on their wheels by Dangling Carrots infront of their eyes."

So in relation to the original topic, my opinion would be in healthy moderation, to the point where you are not so ambitious that you are deluded and waiting on something that is never going to happen, so you hence, neglect your PRESENT.

[Smudger]

I'm an ambitious person, but the hardness of life just seems to eat up any form of progress I've made.

Its as if every time I do something right a thousand things go wrong…

...from petty bills to friends and family having awful things happen to them. I won't let it deter me, but admittedly it really gets to me sometimes.

[Muah]

You caan't be unambitious. Ambition is a natural human drive. People just try and force their values on others.

[LightningAce]

@sgamer82:

I was chatting with an acquaintance of mine earlier tonight. In the process of doing so, I wound up telling something about myself that seemed to leave him offended. As if I was doing something wrong and horrible. That "something about myself" and the response it got tonight has provoked me to ask this question:

Is it wrong to not be ambitous?

I've never felt any strong desire to be or to do anything. I've never had some goal that I absolutely HAD to accomplish. My dream job is one where I can go in, do my time, go home, and forget that the place exists altogether. That job would support a decent place to live, and overall I'd be free to do as I like in my free-time. That's pretty much it. In terms of ambition, I'm Shikamaru or, to refer to my avatar, Justy Ueki Tylor.

And what I absolutely can not understand, is why this seems so odd to people. I get that it's generally seen as better to have some goal to work towards, but the way I've been left feeling after I've told people this, you'd think it was required. The fact is I'd be perfectly happy with a life where I could be content, and not have to go out and be a go-getter, and live life to its fullest! A phrase which, by the way, always makes me feel as though I should take up bungee jumping or skydiving.

People act like it's downright wrong to feel this way and for the life of me, I can not understand what the problem is. I will concede that you can probably attach any number of negative adjectives to this idea; but "wrong" is, quite frankly, not one of them. To quote Captain Tylor, "You only live once. Don't live bound by other peoples' rules. Do what you want the way you want to." That's a philosophy I've always thought sounded good, how many people do things in life simply because it's expected? I don't want to feel that way. For better or worse, I want to live my life the way I want. Even if I never do anything meaningful with my life, I'm fine with that.

So, why is it seemingly regarded as wrong to lack ambition?

As long as you can live your life without any regrets, then live however the hell you want.
If people accuse u of lackin ambition, fuck them. Its your life.

[Smudger]

@Muah:

You caan't be unambitious. Ambition is a natural human drive. People just try and force their values on others.

What the hell does this even mean?

[Tsukishima]

This is a quote I see today, don't know who is the author, but I like it:

"When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down “happy.”

They told me I didn’t understand the assignment and I told them they didn’t understand life."

[Jacklesbury]

Ambition actually means two things. Either a 'cherished desire' or a 'strong drive for success'. The two go hand in hand, but the former is no less valid than the latter, if the latter is taken away.

Then again, the latter meaning could actually mean 'success in survival', or achieving any need imaginable. I think the matter at hand is of 'levels of ambition' or 'hierarchy of needs'. Just because a person achieves one need and strives for another, doesn't mean another can't settle for what they already have, or something smaller than the next person. Like reading a new book.

If we were to really be literal about it, then a hobby or something you enjoy is an 'ambition', because it's something you cherish, whether you want to pursue it further or not. Essentially, making the most of your life can be as simple as appreciating the things you have and like to do personally, no matter how small or insignificant.

Summing up, ambition may be a natural drive, but a small ambition is no less valid than a huge ambition.

[GumGumBattleAxe]

Depending on your situation, i think…...if you're single with no real definite dreams yet, then you probably won't have it...but it never hurts to put yourself out there and try your hand at skills or games or other things, to find out what you're good at and not good at. Once you find something you have a natural affinity for, and everyone does, you oughtta capitalize and try to make a career out of it.

If you've got a family, though, and trying to raise a kid or something, your ambition ought to be to be the best parent or guardian you can be.