The danger of ambition, and considerations to remedy it

November 2, 2021 • 1 min

From The Sinner’s Guide, page 328
By Venerable Louis of Granada

Be mindful also, O ambitious man! of the dangers to which you expose yourself by seeking to command others.

How can you command when you have not yet learned to obey? How can you take upon yourself the care of others when you can hardly account for yourself?

Consider what a risk you incur by adding to your own sins those of persons subject to your authority. Holy Scripture tells us that they who govern will be severely judged, and that the mighty shall be mightily tormented. [Wisdom vi. 6, 7.]

Who can express the cares and troubles of one who is placed over many? We read of a certain king who, on the day of his coronation, took the crown in his hands, and, gazing upon it, exclaimed: “O crown richer in thorns than in happiness, did one truly know thee he would not stoop to pick thee up even if he found thee lying at his feet.”