From Ambition to Aspiration, From Acquiring to Becoming Achieving Goals is the ultimate desire for any individual and

both ambition and aspiration are thoughts of an individual stating his/her goals. Desire for success is how we define ambition and Strong desire to do something is how we would like to define aspiration. When we hear these definitions, they both mean almost the same, both ambition and aspiration speak about the goals of an individual, what the individual wants to achieve? But the difference is known when these words are analyzed in depth. The major difference between ambition and aspiration is the way or the path in which an individual tends to achieve these goals; one can be said as doing the right things and the other as doing the things right. Ambition: The path or the means by which an individual achieves his or her goals is not critical or of prime importance in the case of ambition, but it is just about achieving the success or the goals irrespective of the path chosen. The path chosen can be one which is not socially acceptable, or there might not be a specific approach towards achieving what the individual desires for. Ambitious people seek to be the best at what they choose to do for attainment, power, or superiority. Ambition can also be defined as the object of this desire. Acquired power can be wielded in the name of a vague or clear ideal or multiple ideals. When ambition is used to seek a clear ideal, it develops a close relationship to extremism. Throughout human history, many examples can be found of people who were extremely ambitious, for better and for worse. The notorious Greek Herostratus had the ambition to become famous by destroying the Temple of Artemis. Ambition is an eagerness to acquire personal advantage, wealth, power, status or fame. Ambition is not necessarily negative, but it does have a tendency to override integrity in its drive to get what it wants. And when it does get what it wants, it sometimes misuses it. Successful actors who end up becoming drug addicts, star athletes who cheat in order to win yet another medal, and wealthy businessmen who dodge taxes or steal from their shareholders in order to accumulate even more, would be examples of this. As the Buddha said, Because of his craving for riches, the fool undermines himself. All too often, ambition just keeps us going round, i.e. it further entangles us in samsara. The so-called Self-Improvement Movement in America would be a good example of a philosophy of life based on ambition. Behind all the talk of the passion for excellence, being the best you can be and contributing to society, usually lies raw greed and selfishness. Ambition can thus be defines as Achieving the desired Success irrespective of the path chosen to achieve it. Another example for the same would be a student or an individual who desires to be successful and rich, and is ready to do so in any way possible. This person may try different career options not knowing which would be the career option which would be the best for him or her. In this zeal to become rich and successful, they try as many options as possible and may also take a path which may not be correct and socially acceptable. But when we come

to a person who aspires something, this is not the case, it will be very much different from what the person who is ambitious. Aspiration: Aspiration is a gentle but firm determination to achieve something. Aspiration is a form of desire tempered by thoughtfulness, integrity and a self-interest that takes into account the interests of others too. When a person aspires to do something or become someone, he or she are very clear in their thought on how they are going to achieve what they aspire to do or to become (their goals) in the right way. For the people who aspire, achieving their ultimate goal is not the only desire but the path by which they are going to achieve or reach to their goals is very important. Another important aspect about aspiration is that the path chosen to attain the desire is always positive and socially acceptable. Aspiration allows us to breathe freely after we have achieved our goal, because we know we have done it without compromising our values or disadvantaging others. Aspiration also understands that while mundane goals may be useful in this life, spiritual goals benefit us in both this and the next life and will eventually lead to the state of complete fulfilment where we no longer strive for any goal. The Buddha said one should, put forth his whole desire, exert himself, make a strong effort, apply his mind and resolve to attain such goals. Perfect example for this would be a student or an individual who desires to become successful and rich but also know the right path he or she needs to follow to reach to his or her goals. They are always focused on their goals and never deviate from their path and this path is one which accepted by the society. This student would know that what career option he or she needs to choose, and to get the right kind of job or venture for themselves what would be the best education required. Basically the people who have aspirations are very clear in their approach towards their goal. Aspiration can thus be defined as Achieving the desired goals in the right path and having the knowledge of the path to be chosen to achieve these goals. We can also compare Ambition with just success and Aspiration with happiness. By becoming successful an individual may not be able attain happiness but by achieving happiness, one can always achieve success. With Ambition an individual is able to attain success but an ambition which focuses too much on self-profit does hamper ones outlook. Thus it is more important to aspire, where one thinks for a greater cause that leads to broaden ones horizon. The great visionaries and leaders aim to aspire to achieve the unachievable and in process develop themselves spiritually and socially. They not only end in achieving their goals but also not limit them going further and doing something for the communitys welfare. Every individual should be ambitious but should try to make it his or her aspiration, as it is aspirations which not only tell them of their goals but also give them the right path to achieve it. Ambition is to acquire as much you desire and there is no end to it. It is something very close to being greedy. But on the contrary aspiring is to become something individual desires to. When a new organization is set up, they try to acquire as

many contacts as possible, they are ready to take any path to establish themselves and that desire to establish them in the market is very essential also. But at the same time if they are able to do so in the right way which is socially acceptable and good for communitys welfare, then they become a successful established organization. This is what aspiration is all about. To conclude, aspiration is the most essential requirement but at the same time ambition is also equally important.