How Much Ambition Is the Right Amount? | The Businessweek Show

TL;DR

Ambition's value is debated by Cornel West and Bethann Hardison.

Transcript

Ambition and success are similar, but they are not the same. You can be ambitious and a total failure. You can be a success with no ambition at all. If you call someone ambitious, you might not even mean it as a compliment. You might be trying to say they're more of a schemer than a dreamer. The truth is, ambition can be a little embarrassing. The ... Read More

Key Insights

• Ambition and success are not synonymous; one can possess ambition and still fail, or succeed without ambition.
• Cornel West emphasizes the importance of ambition having a spiritual and moral dimension, citing historical figures with profound vocations.
• West discusses his financial struggles, arguing that financial accountability is crucial, yet money has never been a significant motivator for him.
• Bethann Hardison downplays her ambition, viewing her career as a series of necessary actions rather than planned achievements.
• Hardison's advocacy for black models was driven by a need to address industry inequalities, not ambition.
• Both West and Hardison view ambition as potentially negative if it lacks humility and a focus on public welfare.
• The discussion highlights the complexity of ambition, suggesting it can be both a personal drive and a societal force for change.
• Ambition should be recognized and wielded wisely, potentially being most valuable when generous and humble.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Cornel West differentiate between ambition and success?

Cornel West explains that ambition and success are not the same. One can be ambitious and still fail, while it is possible to achieve success without ambition. He suggests that ambition should have a spiritual and moral dimension, which can make it a beautiful thing, as seen in historical figures with profound vocations.

Q: What financial challenges does Cornel West discuss?

Cornel West discusses his financial struggles, including owing federal taxes. He explains that he has always been financially broke, living paycheck to paycheck. Despite setting up installment plans to manage his debts, he emphasizes that money has never been a significant motivator for him, focusing instead on integrity and public service.

Q: How does Bethann Hardison view her career achievements?

Bethann Hardison views her career achievements as a series of necessary actions rather than planned ambitions. She downplays her ambition, suggesting that she responds to problems as they arise rather than pursuing a premeditated career path. Her work in advocating for black models stemmed from a need to address industry inequalities.

Q: What role did Bethann Hardison play in the modeling industry?

Bethann Hardison played a significant role in advocating for black models in the fashion industry. She co-founded the Black Girls Coalition and challenged the advertising industry to reflect their diverse consumer base. Despite her impact, she views her efforts as necessary responses to industry problems rather than ambitious endeavors.

Q: What is Cornel West's view on American capitalism?

Cornel West is skeptical about American capitalism, acknowledging its potential for scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations but criticizing its failure to prioritize public welfare. He calls for the abolition of poverty and homelessness, advocating for a system that holds organized greed accountable and supports workers and women.

Q: How does Bethann Hardison perceive ambition in others?

Bethann Hardison perceives ambition as a personal drive that cannot be instilled in others. She believes that ambition is something individuals must develop on their own. Her approach to encouraging her son, Kadeem, was to provide opportunities for him to explore, rather than imposing ambition onto him.

Q: What is the overarching theme of the discussion on ambition?

The overarching theme of the discussion is the complexity and dual nature of ambition. Both Cornel West and Bethann Hardison highlight that ambition can be a personal drive for success and a societal force for change. The conversation suggests that ambition is most valuable when it is generous, humble, and focused on public welfare.

Q: How does the discussion conclude on the topic of ambition?

The discussion concludes by recognizing the dual nature of ambition, acknowledging its potential to drive both personal success and societal change. The conversation suggests that ambition should be recognized and wielded wisely, with the most valuable form being one that remains humble and generous, prioritizing public welfare over personal gain.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The discussion explores the nuanced nature of ambition, with Cornel West and Bethann Hardison offering personal insights into how ambition has shaped their lives and careers. West argues for a moral and spiritual dimension to ambition, while Hardison downplays her achievements as necessary actions rather than ambitious pursuits.

• Cornel West addresses his financial challenges, underscoring the importance of accountability despite his lack of focus on monetary success. Meanwhile, Hardison's advocacy for black models highlights her drive to address industry inequalities, which she views as a response to necessity rather than ambition.

• The conversation concludes with reflections on the dual nature of ambition, recognizing its potential to drive both personal success and societal change. The most valuable form of ambition, according to the discussion, is one that remains humble and generous, prioritizing public welfare over personal gain.