Self-interested ambition seems to fuel society in the West. For instance, politicians try to achieve dominance over the opposition; sports figures try to become a “GOAT” – even when the GOATs change every year! Even religious leaders try to be “the man” (and it’s usually a man) despite religion’s calls for humility. In 1776, Adam Smith saw self-interested motivations as one of the strengths fueling capitalism. Today’s society, by and large, admires strivers over those who take a weaker approach. Miroslav Volf, a Christian theologian with a heavy philosophical approach, asks simple questions: Is this good? And is there a better way?
He points out, particularly, how striving to be superior almost always leaves someone else feeling inferior. He instead encourages us to seek excellence over simply becoming the best. Indeed, most of the greatest sports figures who excel way beyond the competition hold this ethic. Look at how swimmer Katie Ledecky tries to shave hundredths of seconds off her time even when no one is near her. She competes with herself, not the person in the other lane. Similarly, coaches tell players to compete to be the best version of themselves instead of simply better than the other side. Is this merely coach-speak, or does this language have some relevance to all our lives?
In this short book, Volf looks at Danish theologian Sören Kierkegaard, author of Paradise Lost John Milton, the first Christian theologian St. Paul, Jesus Christ, and the corpus of the Hebrew Bible to argue for the fallacies of superiority and the innate worth of every human – including when we aren’t superior. He ends with 24 theses to suggest a better attitude to take.
This book is aimed towards thought leaders and Christian church leaders. Although it’s framed in religious language, its message fits in the public square among philosophical perspectives. Indeed, it’s been cited in New York Times editorials, hardly a place within a Christian bubble. I’d suggest business writers should read it, too, to find philosophical support to the idea of servant leadership.
Naked ambition can tear the social fabric apart, and I fear learning of more effects every time I read the newspaper. Volf’s counterattack can do something about it, and he strangely enough relies on ancient practices founded in the Christian religion, practices often forgotten by today’s religious adherents. Wisely conserving the past’s lessons instead of striving for naked power must continue to be a part of our public discourse, and well-articulated voices like Volf’s remind us of history’s insights.
The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse
By Miroslav Volf
Copyright (c) 2025
Brazos Press
ISBN13 9781587434815
Page Count: 193
Genre: Christian, Spirituality
www.amazon.com