Ambition is a propelling power that urges man to create opportunities and succeed in those opportunities. True ambition is a virtue that leads man to great things. However, ambition ruled by ulterior motives becomes a vice that eventually leads man to destructive acts. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, ambition is a major aspect in the development of Macbeth s character. Just as in our history, ambition is portrayed as a troublesome driving force. A clear example of this type of ambition was in the Presidency of Richard Nixon. Ambition and honor were attributes of both Macbeth and Nixon in genesis, however, they gradually transformed into devious and untrustworthy men. Ambition is a corrupting force that grows in human selfishness, greed and cruelty and carries one to degradation.
There are myriad individuals who have grown through their ambition but gradually let their ambitions grow through their voracity, brutality, and egotism. Macbeth and Nixon were two very dynamic men, yet both allowed their ambition to overtake them. Each of these leaders could have obviated their unfortunate conclusions if they had only recognized the ferocity of their own ambition. Although ambition can be a beneficial trait, it can readily become a corrupting force that leads to one s downfall.
This kind of uncontrolled ambition is also seen during Richard Nixon’s Presidency. Nixon began his tenure of office with the support and admiration of the country. Nonetheless, the Watergate scandal was uncovered which tore his image apart. Nixon became gluttonous which quickly and effectively fueled his am
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