Rhone 1

Arthur Rhone III

Ms. Figueroa

Q3 End of unit writing Assessment

3 April 2019

Blind Ambition in Society

As seen throughout history, there has been various powerful leaders who sought power,

which led them all to their downfall. Humans are not perfect; one of the flaws that they carry is a

desire to yearn for more. Although blind ambition can be beneficial when attempting to obtain

one’s goal, it may also lead to negative outcomes. One of which being, an individual’s

determination to a achieve goal, regardless of any consequences that may arise in doing so. More

often than not, people are willing to hurt or endanger anyone who stands in the way of them

accomplishing their said goal. The theme of blind ambition is reflected in William Shakespeare’s

Macbeth. The main character, Macbeth, had blind ambition which led to his obsession with the

idea of becoming the king. In the process of obtaining this goal, he murdered and set to murder

various individuals whom he believed were a threat to his goal. From this point in the play, he

had one goal in mind; that goal would be his sole purpose from then on. Macbeth’s theme of

blind ambition is seen in modern day society through world leaders, politics, and sports.

To start off, world leader are the individuals who drive the way society functions.

Various world leaders were influenced by blind ambition. One of the most prominent was Hitler;

the man who had so much yet was never satisfied and always had a yearn for more. He

continuously wanted more power, which led to his downfall. Being the counselor of Germany

was not enough for his ambitious sole. He fought until he lost the war in Russia which led him to

commit suicide because he would rather die “wind up prominently displayed by his enemies”(
 Rhone 2

The History Place). Hitler’s ambition not only led to his own death but also resulted in his people

having to pay the price of his war with their lives; approximately “four million civilian and three

million military deaths”(The History Place). Not only did blind ambition, affect Adolf Hitler but

it also affected millions of lives around him. This being only one of the negative effects that can

occur from someone being consumed by blind ambition.

Blind ambition is not only an issue for an 18th century dictator of a foreign county; it is

also an issue in today’s politics. A prime example is the United States president, Donald Trump.

When Mr. Trump first joined office, he made a promise that he would “make America great

again”. Although he has been living up to his blind ambition, has not been living up to his

promise. This is because of the large wall he wishes to build between the United States and

Mexico. Initially citizens thought this would be a beneficial idea, however those beliefs quickly

ended when they realized that the money was essentially coming from their own pockets. In the

article Blind Ambition is a Despicable Immigration Policy, Mr. Gates states, “In the two years of

his presidency, he has focused only on shoring up his base, rather than leading the country in

ways that will benefit all Americans. The federal services we take for granted, food inspection,

flight safety, and our national parks, are deteriorating.” (Gates).Not only is Donald Trump

“instituting a policy that separates immigrant children from their parents” he is also negatively

affecting the lives of his United States citizens.(Gates).

Most individuals would not expect such a blind ambition to be relevant in most

someone’s everyday life. However it is more than possible; one of the various examples of where

it is distinguishable is through sports. It does not matter whether the athlete is playing for a major

or minor league team, both have the potential of being affected greatly. Although, ambition can

be seen as a beneficial motivator, for most, blind ambition causes players to sometimes commit
 Rhone 3

actions or say words that negatively affect them. In the article What Is The Difference Between

Blind Ambition And Ambition?, Arangua states, As individuals strive to succeed, there are many

times when their desire to achieve overrides their sense of right and wrong. Turning a blind eye

to deceit is one example of blind ambition; those who work toward a goal with blind ambition

can be their own worst enemy”. Throughout the world, and even in Tolleson Union High School,

there have been individual who have let their blind ambition get the better of them. As a result,

they have cause their team to lose championships, tournaments, and even rivalry games.

In conclusion, one of William Shakespeare’s most noticeable themes of blind ambition

was reflected in his play Macbeth. Although this theme first appeared in the renaissance era, it

still has relevance in the modern day. From world leaders, to politicians, to even sports themes.

Blind ambition has been a negative impact in all three areas. Solely having one goal in mind is

not a terrible thing, however when one allows that one goal to completely deteriorate their sense

of right from wrong. That is when blind ambition will result in negative outcomes.
 Rhone 4

Works Cited

Arangua, Michael. “What Is The Difference Between Blind Ambition And Ambition?”

Betterhelp, BetterHelp, 28 July 2018, www.betterhelp.com/advice/ambition/what-is-the-

difference-between-blind-ambition-and-ambition/.

Gates, Jeff, and Jeff Gates. “Blind Ambition Is a Despicable Immigration Policy.” Extra

Newsfeed, Extra Newsfeed, 30 Jan. 2019, extranewsfeed.com/blind-ambition-is-a-despicable-

immigration-policy-e816201d30.

The History Place - Defeat of Hitler: Downfall of Adolf Hitler,

www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/defeat/downfall-hitler.htm.