The first installment of the previous discussion covering the benefits of “silent ambition” provided a modern account of the potential gains to be made from keeping your goals to yourself. This piece will focus on notable historical and cultural ideas which fall in line with this mindset. A classical example of stifled ambition are the Meditations of the stoic Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius.
Marcus Aurelius began the twelve books of the Meditations in 170 CE. Much of the work was produced during various military campaigns conducted in the areas northeast of the modern Italian peninsula. The work was, to the Emperor, a means of reflection and self-improvement in the form of collected writings. Profound aspects of his personal and professional offices among other topics including his beliefs and hopes of self-betterment comprise much of the work.
Prior to discussing Aurelius’ writing it is necessary to understand the tenants of stoicism as a concept. Stoicism was a school of thought conceived by Zeno of Citium in the third century BCE. To stoics, expression of passion, no matter how slight, was an opportunity to introduce error. One might reduce – or optimally excise – false judgement if emotions were suppressed. To subscribe to stoic thought was to be steeped in philosophical study bordering on religion. Philosophy was not only of interest, but a ritual to be regularly practiced. Specifically, the consideration of philosophy represented a consciousness of one’s faults and mortality. To engage in philosophical meditation was to attempt to understand oneself by thinking or writing in a candid manner. In conjunction with meditation, stoics felt it necessary to observe the natural order as immaculate in form and from nature all things came about. Finally, and most relevant to the topic of ambition was the belief that a true indication of character was not what one said, but how one behaved. This is not a foreign concept to most. It is reasonable to form opinions of someone based on actions rather than words. Nonetheless, this is a powerful concept which is and likely always has been recognized among human populations.
To be silently ambitious is consistent with much of the stoic doctrine. It is inherently a stoic quality to withhold emotion in the name of clear judgement. The first line of Meditations is germane to this principle. “From my grandfather Verus [I learned] good morals and the government of my temper.” This is a natural introduction in that the sentence provides and adequate summation of stoic ideals. Good morals and a reserved attitude.
Returning to the suppression of verbal ambition. It is a distinctly human characteristic to feel the need to express our hopes. In many situations, it may pose a net gain rather than hinder success. There is something to be said for this class of conversation. At times we as social beings may require counsel from our counterparts whether it be motivation or reassurance. Nevertheless, we ought not abandon Aurelius or Zeno. Our predecessors of antiquity understood the value in silence, in reservation of psychological and physical states. To keep our thoughts distinct, determined and quiet may offer a respite not usually observed when considering matters of success. To remain quiet about our goals may benefit us in the long-run. To rage in silence may be more effective than we typically imagine.
