Ambition has become a dirty word, and I believe it is a great evolutionary force for the positive. If people fail or go astray in their ambition I can live with it but not with people lowering their expectations, wasting time, slacking off and glorifying failure and stupidity.

In this quote, Robert Greene defends ambition, stating that it has unfairly gained a negative reputation in modern society. He believes that ambition is a powerful evolutionary force that drives people to improve themselves, achieve goals, and ultimately contribute to progress. Greene argues that ambition is a vital force for positive change, helping individuals and societies move forward. He suggests that, while people may fail or face setbacks in their pursuits, it is the lack of ambition—where people lower their expectations or become complacent—that is truly harmful.

Greene expresses frustration with the tendency for people to glorify failure or stupidity, seeing this as a form of self-sabotage. He believes that slacking off or abandoning high standards leads to wasted time and missed opportunities. Rather than celebrating mediocrity, Greene advocates for the cultivation of a mindset where striving for success and maintaining high expectations are paramount. He acknowledges that failure is a part of life, but it should not be seen as something to be accepted or celebrated without efforts to learn and improve.

The quote also reveals Greene’s disdain for the growing trend of lowering standards or embracing a culture of complacency. He views this as a dangerous trend that erodes personal growth and collective progress. Instead, he encourages individuals to maintain ambitious goals and hold themselves accountable for their own success, regardless of the challenges they may face along the way.

Ultimately, Robert Greene uses this quote to challenge societal attitudes toward ambition, urging individuals to embrace their potential and work towards their goals with determination. He argues that ambition, far from being a negative trait, is an essential element of self-improvement and success, and it should not be allowed to be diminished by the culture of accepting mediocrity.