Ambition: Essays by Members of The Chrysostom Society gathers a range of reflective pieces on one of the most powerful forces in modern life. In a culture that celebrates the pursuit of the American Dream, these writers ask what really happens when the drive for success, recognition, and influence takes centre stage.
Through personal reflections, thought experiments, and more formal essays, the contributors explore what ambition is and how it shapes character, relationships, and work. They consider the fine line between healthy aspiration and destructive ego, asking when the desire to do one’s best becomes an obsession with celebrity, status, or self-promotion.
The book probes questions of self-esteem, productivity, and integrity: Can ambition deepen faithfulness to one’s calling, or does it erode inner life and moral vision? How does the pursuit of power and fame affect our sense of self and our capacity for genuine service?
Written in diverse, engaging voices, these essays offer a nuanced, wise exploration of ambition at the heart of contemporary Western culture, inviting readers to examine their own motives and hopes.
- Explores the promise and peril of ambition
- Blends memoir, reflection, and idea-driven essays
- Ideal for personal reflection or discussion groups