“The great ambition of weak souls is to appear to have none.”Luc de Vauvenargues · Reflecții și maxime · 1746 · maxima 350
Those lacking true ambition hide behind a mask of indifference.
Vauvenargues reveals a psychological trick: those lacking the courage or energy to pursue something great prefer to appear detached, as if ambition were vulgar. It is easier to say 'I don't care' than to admit fear of trying. A student who doesn't enter a competition saying 'it's not worth it anyway' does exactly this.
Why it matters It helps us recognize when we ourselves hide weakness behind indifference and to be honest about our own desires.