Unit Seven

Unit SevenUnit Seven

The Virtues of Ambition The Virtues of Ambition

ContentsContents

1. About the Author 1. About the Author 2. Warming-up questions 2. Warming-up questions 3. The structure of the text3. The structure of the text4. Detailed explanation of each part4. Detailed explanation of each part5. Key to exercises 5. Key to exercises

About Joseph EpsteinAbout Joseph Epstein 1937- 1937-

[email protected]@northwestern.edu(847)491-3496(847)491-3496

Information of the authorInformation of the author

Joseph Epstein, a noted essayist, short story author anJoseph Epstein, a noted essayist, short story author and novelist, d novelist,

born in Chicago and grew up in Rogers Park. born in Chicago and grew up in Rogers Park. He then attended the University of Chicago and is now He then attended the University of Chicago and is now

a prominent member of the literature faculty at Northwa prominent member of the literature faculty at Northwestern University.estern University.

He contributed essays in each issue under the moniker He contributed essays in each issue under the moniker Aristides..Aristides..

He is a teacher in the acclaimed Creating Writing ProgrHe is a teacher in the acclaimed Creating Writing Program at Northwestern University.am at Northwestern University.

He won the 1998 Harold Washington Literary Award for He won the 1998 Harold Washington Literary Award for the most prominent man or women of letters in Chicagthe most prominent man or women of letters in Chicago. o.

Warming-up Exercises:Warming-up Exercises:

1. What do you think about 1. What do you think about ambition and ambitious people?ambition and ambitious people?

2. What is the author’s attitude 2. What is the author’s attitude towards ambition according to the towards ambition according to the title of the essay title of the essay the Virtues of the Virtues of AmbitionAmbition??

3. What does virtue mean3. What does virtue mean??

Good quality.Good quality.

The Structure of the textThe Structure of the text

Part One ( para.1 to para3): Part One ( para.1 to para3): Part Two (para. 4 to para.5):Part Two (para. 4 to para.5):Part Three (para.6 to para.7): Part Three (para.6 to para.7): Part Four (para.8 to para.11):Part Four (para.8 to para.11):Part Five ( para.12 to para.13): Part Five ( para.12 to para.13):

Paragraph 1Paragraph 1Paraphrase and Language Points:Paraphrase and Language Points:

Rorschach words:Rorschach words: Rorschach inkblot test Rorschach inkblot test (( 罗夏墨迹测验罗夏墨迹测验 ) created by Hermann Rorsc) created by Hermann Rorschach (1844-1922, hach (1844-1922, 瑞士精神病学家瑞士精神病学家 ); a meth); a method of testing a person’s brains and charaod of testing a person’s brains and character by making him say what various irregucter by making him say what various irregular spots of ink remind him oflar spots of ink remind him of

Paragraph 1 DiscussionParagraph 1 Discussion

What are the two different interpretations about What are the two different interpretations about ambition and ambitious people?ambition and ambitious people?

1) (Webster’s) ambition is an ardent 1) (Webster’s) ambition is an ardent desire for rank, fame and powerdesire for rank, fame and power

What does it What does it mean?mean? It means that AIt means that Ambition is mbition is

incommensurate (inconsistent) with incommensurate (inconsistent) with good sense and stabilitygood sense and stability

2)One can be ambitious 2)One can be ambitious forfor the the public public goodgood, , for for the the alleviation of suffering alleviation of suffering and and forfor the enlightenment of mankind the enlightenment of mankind

Explain:Explain:……define it and you instantly reveal a great deal about define it and you instantly reveal a great deal about

yourselfyourself..

……the way you personally define ambition will the way you personally define ambition will

tell a lot about yourself, your dreams, your tell a lot about yourself, your dreams, your

desire, your values, your philosophy, etc.desire, your values, your philosophy, etc.

……if you define ambition, you will if you define ambition, you will

subconsciously betray/reveal your dreams, subconsciously betray/reveal your dreams,

your desire, your values, your philosophy, your desire, your values, your philosophy,

etc. etc.

Word studyWord study

give oneself / someone awaygive oneself / someone away : to betray onesel: to betray oneself /someone; to tell people sth. secretf /someone; to tell people sth. secret

e.g. The swindler(e.g. The swindler( 欺诈者欺诈者 ) ) gave himself awgave himself awayay when he was asked to establish his ide when he was asked to establish his identity.ntity.

She really likes him and thinks no one kShe really likes him and thinks no one knows, but the look on her face when mentnows, but the look on her face when mentioned his name ioned his name gave her away.gave her away.

Please explainPlease explain::

Ardent immediately assumes Ardent immediately assumes a heata heat incommensurate withincommensurate with good sense and stability, … good sense and stability, …

ArdentArdent is immediately regarded as is immediately regarded as a a desiredesire disproportionate disproportionate to/inconsistent withto/inconsistent with good sense and good sense and stability, …stability, …

(Ardent is immediately thought of as (Ardent is immediately thought of as having something to do with bad having something to do with bad sense.) sense.)

please explain:please explain:

be ambitious for the public good, for the be ambitious for the public good, for the alleviation of suffering, for the enlightenment alleviation of suffering, for the enlightenment of mankindof mankind,…,…

strive to be successful, rich, strive to be successful, rich, powerful, etc., in order to help the powerful, etc., in order to help the public, to ease human suffering, to public, to ease human suffering, to enlighten mankind...enlighten mankind...

Paraphrase and Language Points:Paraphrase and Language Points: One can, One can, after allafter all, , be ambitious for the public be ambitious for the public

good, for the alleviation of suffering, for the good, for the alleviation of suffering, for the enlightenment of mankind.enlightenment of mankind.

Despite distrust and doubt of ambition and Despite distrust and doubt of ambition and ambitious people,ambitious people, the fact is thatthe fact is that one can one can strive to be successful, rich powerful, etc. in strive to be successful, rich powerful, etc. in order to help the public, to ease human order to help the public, to ease human suffering, to enlighten mankind. suffering, to enlighten mankind.

after all: after all: despite problem and doubt, (the fact despite problem and doubt, (the fact is …) / in spite of any indications or is …) / in spite of any indications or expectations to the contrary expectations to the contrary e.g. e.g. Of course I Of course I admire her –after all, she is a great politician. admire her –after all, she is a great politician.

Paragraph 2 DiscussionParagraph 2 Discussion

What do dreams of glory, wealth, love, What do dreams of glory, wealth, love, distinction, accomplishment, pleasure, distinction, accomplishment, pleasure, goodness come from?goodness come from?

Ambition. No ambition, no dreams Ambition. No ambition, no dreams and no accomplishment.and no accomplishment.

paraphraseparaphrase

Surely ambition is Surely ambition is behindbehind dreams of glory, dreams of glory, ……

Ambition makes possible dreams Ambition makes possible dreams of glory, …of glory, …

Ambition underlies dreams of Ambition underlies dreams of glory, …glory, …

Ambition is the true reason for Ambition is the true reason for dreams of glory, …dreams of glory, …

meaning of meaning of behindbehind in the following in the following sentences:sentences:

I knew what I knew what behindbehind her smile was sadness. her smile was sadness. (hidden by)(hidden by) Marie Curie was the woman Marie Curie was the woman behindbehind

enormous changes in the science of enormous changes in the science of chemistry.chemistry.

(responsible for )(responsible for ) He wondered what was He wondered what was behindbehind his his

neighbor’s sudden friendliness.neighbor’s sudden friendliness. (the true reason for) (the true reason for) We’re all We’re all behindbehind you in this decision you in this decision (in support of )(in support of )

Word studyWord study distinctiondistinction 1)quality of excellence; honor, mark of respect 1)quality of excellence; honor, mark of respect 2) classification of two or more; a clear 2) classification of two or more; a clear

difference between two similar thingsdifference between two similar things e.g. He is a man of distinction in his own country.e.g. He is a man of distinction in his own country. (quality of excellence)(quality of excellence) I had the great distinction of being invited to I had the great distinction of being invited to

speak at the conference. speak at the conference. (honor)(honor) Do other countries have the same Do other countries have the same

distinction between amateur and professional?distinction between amateur and professional? (difference)(difference)


What life What life does withdoes with our dreams and our dreams and expectations cannot be predictedexpectations cannot be predicted..

What will What will actually happen toactually happen to our our dreams and expectations during dreams and expectations during our lives cannot be predicted.our lives cannot be predicted.

do withdo with: get on with; have a : get on with; have a connection withconnection with

ParaphraseParaphrase

The The ununpredictability of outcome of dreams is predictability of outcome of dreams is no reason to cease dreaming.no reason to cease dreaming.

Although the outcome of dreams Although the outcome of dreams cannot be predicted, one shouldn’t cannot be predicted, one shouldn’t stop dreaming. stop dreaming.

Paragraph 3Paragraph 3

What gives ambition bad name?What gives ambition bad name?

People who are selfish and seek to People who are selfish and seek to get what they themselves want give get what they themselves want give ambition a bad name. ambition a bad name.

Ambition, the Ambition, the sheersheer thing thing SheerSheer here is used for emphasis, and here is used for emphasis, and

the sheer thingthe sheer thing means the simple, means the simple, pure thing.pure thing.

Paragraph 3 Please explain:Paragraph 3 Please explain:

As drunks have done to alcohol, the single-As drunks have done to alcohol, the single-minded have done to ambition---given it a minded have done to ambition---given it a bad namebad name..

Jus as people who have had too Jus as people who have had too much alcohol have given alcohol a much alcohol have given alcohol a bad name, so people who have bad name, so people who have had only one aim, to get what they had only one aim, to get what they themselves want, have given themselves want, have given ambition a bad name.ambition a bad name.

please explainplease explain

Like a Like a tastetaste for alcohol, too, ambition does n for alcohol, too, ambition does not always ot always allow forallow for easy satiation easy satiation..

As with people who enjoy the taste of As with people who enjoy the taste of alcohol, it is very difficult for ambitioualcohol, it is very difficult for ambitious people to become satisfied, they usus people to become satisfied, they usually take more and more into considerally take more and more into consideration.ation.

tastetaste : (here means) preference : (here means) preference allow for: allow for: take sth.take sth. intointo consideration consideration

Some expressionsSome expressions

under the counterunder the counter: secretly; illegally: secretly; illegally - handle business - handle business under the counterunder the counter - - The banned book was sold The banned book was sold under the counter.under the counter. - At least one of my own novels has to be sold - At least one of my own novels has to be sold

under the counterunder the counter as though it were whisky as though it were whisky..

Paraphrase:Paraphrase: -Still, none of this seems a sufficient cause for driving -Still, none of this seems a sufficient cause for driving

ambition under the counterambition under the counter - Again, none of what mentioned above has enough reason - Again, none of what mentioned above has enough reason

to force ambition to become secret ,illegal and hidden.to force ambition to become secret ,illegal and hidden.

Discussion: The four main aspects ambition and ambitiDiscussion: The four main aspects ambition and ambitious people are attacked on: ous people are attacked on: (para. 1-3 )(para. 1-3 )

1. Ambition is inconsistent with good 1. Ambition is inconsistent with good sense and stability.sense and stability.

2. Most ambitious people are to be 2. Most ambitious people are to be distrusted.distrusted.

3. The outcome of ambitious dreams 3. The outcome of ambitious dreams is usually unpredictable.is usually unpredictable.

4. Ambition does not always allow for 4. Ambition does not always allow for easy satisfaction; single-minded easy satisfaction; single-minded ambitious people give ambition a bad ambitious people give ambition a bad name.name.

Main idea of the first part (para. Main idea of the first part (para. 1 - 31 - 3):):

Although for a long time ambition has come Although for a long time ambition has come under heavy attack and has been given a under heavy attack and has been given a bad name,bad name, it is by no means illegal and it is by no means illegal and will exist foreverwill exist forever..

paragraph 4-5paragraph 4-5

What is mainly discussed in this partWhat is mainly discussed in this part??The worst that can be said about The worst that can be said about

ambition.ambition.

Words and phrases related to the worst attributes Words and phrases related to the worst attributes related to ambition :related to ambition :

antisocialantisocial outmoded (out of date)outmoded (out of date) ignore the collectivityignore the collectivity socially detachedsocially detached on his ownon his own out for his ownout for his own far from identifying far from identifying

himself and his himself and his fortunes with the fortunes with the group (not making group (not making himself associated with himself associated with the group)the group)

wish to rise about twish to rise about the grouphe group

see the world as a bsee the world as a battle, rivalrousnessattle, rivalrousness

Jesuitical (cunning)Jesuitical (cunning) a dog-eat-dog worla dog-eat-dog worl

d, be the dogs that d, be the dogs that do the eatingdo the eating

detailsdetails

The ambitious individual, The ambitious individual, far fromfar from identifyingidentifying himself and his fortunes himself and his fortunes withwith the group, wishes the group, wishes to rise above it.to rise above it. (lines 7-8, para. 4)(lines 7-8, para. 4)

An ambitious person An ambitious person does not want to bdoes not want to be part of a groupe part of a group, but he wishes to progr, but he wishes to progress and outdistance it.ess and outdistance it.

far fromfar from: not at all: not at all identify withidentify with: equate with ; associate ones: equate with ; associate ones

elf withelf with

argueargue those possessed by it those possessed by it intointo believing believing... ... ((line 12, para. 4)line 12, para. 4)

persuade those who are obsessed by ampersuade those who are obsessed by ambition to believe…bition to believe…

argue sb into argue sb into : persuade sb to do sth: persuade sb to do sthThey They argued him intoargued him into adoption of the pl adoption of the pl

an.an.You want to You want to argue me intoargue me into agreeing you agreeing you

r proposal?r proposal?

possesspossess vt. control, obsess vt. control, obsess

I’m absolutely dreading making I’m absolutely dreading making the after-dinner speech---I don’t the after-dinner speech---I don’t know what know what possessedpossessed me to me to agree to it.agree to it.

possessed (by)possessed (by) a. obsessed a. obsessed (with)(with)

She is She is possessed bypossessed by her drive to her drive to get into the best college.get into the best college.

……they they are distinguishedare distinguished by wanting by wanting to be the dogs to be the dogs that do the eatingthat do the eating. (lines 15-16, para. 4). (lines 15-16, para. 4)

……what what makes them differentmakes them different is that is that they want to they want to come out on top in the come out on top in the competitioncompetition..

Paraphrase (paragraph 5)Paraphrase (paragraph 5)

From From herehere it is it is but a short hopbut a short hop to believe that to believe that …(lin…(line 1, para. 5)e 1, para. 5)

From this point (From this point (being the dogs that do the being the dogs that do the eatingeating), it is ), it is very easyvery easy to think that… to think that…

Discussion:Discussion: What implied meaning we can easily infer frWhat implied meaning we can easily infer fr

om paragraph 4? om paragraph 4? The common goals of ambition such as moThe common goals of ambition such as mo

ney, fame, and power are often achieved by ney, fame, and power are often achieved by dishonest means.dishonest means.

Why does the author mention politicians in high Why does the author mention politicians in high positions in paragraph 5positions in paragraph 5??

According to the worst that can be saiAccording to the worst that can be said about ambitious people in para. 4, od about ambitious people in para. 4, one might think that any high-ranking ne might think that any high-ranking politician must have gone against mopolitician must have gone against moral principles in order to climb so high.ral principles in order to climb so high.

This example shows ambition that’s This example shows ambition that’s gotten out of control and left moral scgotten out of control and left moral scruples behind.ruples behind.

paragraph 6-7paragraph 6-7

From what angle is ambition discussed in this From what angle is ambition discussed in this part?part?

The author thinks if ambition is to The author thinks if ambition is to have vitality, it must be widely have vitality, it must be widely shared and esteemed by people who shared and esteemed by people who are themselves admired. But are themselves admired. But strangely, those who enjoy the strangely, those who enjoy the rewards of ambition have claimed to rewards of ambition have claimed to have given up on ambition as ideals.have given up on ambition as ideals.

Examples supporting the author’s analysisExamples supporting the author’s analysis::

The revolutionary lawyerThe revolutionary lawyerthe critic of American materialismthe critic of American materialismthe publisher of radical books, the publisher of radical books, the journalistthe journalist

……must be considered worthy of the sacrifices must be considered worthy of the sacrifices made made on ambition’s behalfon ambition’s behalf.(lines 2-3, para. 6).(lines 2-3, para. 6)

… … must be considered worthy of must be considered worthy of sacrifices made because of ambition sacrifices made because of ambition

on someone’s behalfon someone’s behalf (on behalf of someone (on behalf of someone): ): because of; representing; for the sake because of; representing; for the sake ofof

Please don’t leave on my behalf.Please don’t leave on my behalf.On behalf of the company as a whole, On behalf of the company as a whole,

I would like to thank you for all your I would like to thank you for all your work.work.

There is There is aa heavy heavy note ofnote of hypocrisy in this hypocrisy in this.. (line 13, para. 6) (line 13, para. 6)

The situation is filled with hypocrisy.The situation is filled with hypocrisy.a note ofa note of: showing someone’s : showing someone’s

thinking and feeling by the way their thinking and feeling by the way their voice soundsvoice sounds

a note of angera note of angera not of jealousya not of jealousya note of anxietya note of anxiety


Certainly people do not seem less interested Certainly people do not seem less interested in success and its accoutrements now than fin success and its accoutrements now than formerlyormerly.(.(lines 1-2, para. 7)lines 1-2, para. 7)

Certainly people now seem as much iCertainly people now seem as much interested in success and the comforts nterested in success and the comforts that come with it as before.that come with it as before.


Instead we are Instead we are treated totreated to fine pharisaical spe fine pharisaical spectacles, which now more than ever seem in actacles, which now more than ever seem in ample supplymple supply…(lines 7-9, para. 7)…(lines 7-9, para. 7)

We see more hypocritical examples nWe see more hypocritical examples now than ever…ow than ever…

treat sb totreat sb to: : supply someone with sth spsupply someone with sth special as a friendly actecial as a friendly act

I shall I shall treat myself totreat myself to a good weeken a good weekend holiday.d holiday.

John John treated Linda totreated Linda to the theater wh the theater when they met first time.en they met first time.

treat ntreat n.: a special event; sth pleasant.: a special event; sth pleasantGranny took us for tea at Lyons CorneGranny took us for tea at Lyons Corne

r House as a special r House as a special treattreat..

Conclusion of paragraph 6-7 given by the Conclusion of paragraph 6-7 given by the authorauthor: :

““Succeed at all costs but refrain Succeed at all costs but refrain from appearing ambitiousfrom appearing ambitious.”.”

surface meaningsurface meaning::Try every means to succeed but do Try every means to succeed but do

not appear ambitious.not appear ambitious.deep meaning:deep meaning:Nowadays the educated are more Nowadays the educated are more

hypocritical than before.hypocritical than before.

Paragraphs 8-11Paragraphs 8-11

Discussion:Discussion:What is this part mainly about? What is this part mainly about?

paragraph 8paragraph 8

……its public defenders are few and unimpressits public defenders are few and unimpressive, ive, wherewhere they are not extremely unattractive they are not extremely unattractive (lines 1-3, para. 8)(lines 1-3, para. 8)

Public defenders of ambition are few Public defenders of ambition are few and not impressive, but it doesn’t mand not impressive, but it doesn’t mean they do not attract people’s atteean they do not attract people’s attention at all.ntion at all.

where where conj. : whereas; butconj. : whereas; butWhere Where most people saw nothing most people saw nothing

but a hardened criminal, john saw but a hardened criminal, john saw a lonely and desperate man.a lonely and desperate man.

They want a house, They want a house, wherewhere we we would rather live in a flat.would rather live in a flat.


As a result, the support for ambition as a heaAs a result, the support for ambition as a healthy impulse, a quality to be admired and inculthy impulse, a quality to be admired and inculcated in the young, is probably lower than it lcated in the young, is probably lower than it has ever been in the United Stateshas ever been in the United States .(lines 3-.(lines 3-5, para. 8)5, para. 8)

As a result, support for ambition as a rAs a result, support for ambition as a respected value to be taught to youth iespected value to be taught to youth is lower than ever in the US.s lower than ever in the US.

……as witness the blatant pratings of its conteas witness the blatant pratings of its contemporary promotersmporary promoters. (lines10-11, para.8). (lines10-11, para.8)

… … as shown in the offensive ongoing ias shown in the offensive ongoing idle talk of its current sponsors.dle talk of its current sponsors.

paragraph 9paragraph 9

Ambition… is morally Ambition… is morally a two-sided streeta two-sided street..(lines4-5,para.9)(lines4-5,para.9)

a two-sided streeta two-sided street: a street that : a street that one can get to in two directionsone can get to in two directions

the meaning of the metaphor used the meaning of the metaphor used here:here:

The goals of ambition can be The goals of ambition can be achieved in two ways.achieved in two ways.

The two ways implied in the metaphorThe two ways implied in the metaphor::

sacrificing some moral principles to sacrificing some moral principles to achieve the goals of ambitionachieve the goals of ambition

achieving the goals of ambition achieving the goals of ambition without sacrificing moral principleswithout sacrificing moral principles

Examples of ignoble actions VS kind and helpful Examples of ignoble actions VS kind and helpful actions in the paragraphactions in the paragraph::

John Dean John Dean (Watergate (Watergate Affairs): ignoble Affairs): ignoble actionaction

Andrew Carnegie Andrew Carnegie (the library of (the library of Lord Acton): kind Lord Acton): kind and helpful and helpful actionaction

Why does the writer give the example of Why does the writer give the example of Watergate affairWatergate affair??

To illustrate the idea that many To illustrate the idea that many people believe ambition is not people believe ambition is not easily controlled and why many easily controlled and why many people are naturally distrustful of people are naturally distrustful of ambition.ambition.


Many people are naturally Many people are naturally distrustful of ambition, feeling that distrustful of ambition, feeling that it represents something intractable it represents something intractable in human nature.in human nature.

Many people are ,of course, Many people are ,of course, suspicious about ambition in that suspicious about ambition in that they feel that ambition reflects they feel that ambition reflects some evil aspects in human some evil aspects in human characters which are very difficult to characters which are very difficult to deal with.deal with.


… … as if ambition were to blame for as if ambition were to blame for his ignoble actions, and not the his ignoble actions, and not the constellation of qualities that make constellation of qualities that make up his rather shabby character.up his rather shabby character.

……as if the reason for his shameful as if the reason for his shameful actions were ambition, but not a actions were ambition, but not a group of bad qualities which are group of bad qualities which are actually responsible for the making-actually responsible for the making-up of his dishonorable character. up of his dishonorable character.

ParaphraseParaphraseNeed much more be said on the Need much more be said on the

subject than that, important though subject than that, important though ambition is, there are some things ambition is, there are some things that one must not sacrifice to it?that one must not sacrifice to it?

Is it necessary to say much more on Is it necessary to say much more on the subject (ambition and morality) the subject (ambition and morality) than what has already said, for , than what has already said, for , though ambition is important, there though ambition is important, there are some things more important are some things more important than it, one cannot sacrifice them to than it, one cannot sacrifice them to ambition?ambition?

be to blame for: be responsible be to blame for: be responsible for a fault or wrong (blame adj.)for a fault or wrong (blame adj.)Examples:Examples:1. He was 1. He was to blame forto blame for their death. their death.2. The hot weather is partly 2. The hot weather is partly to to

blame forblame for (= the reason for) the (= the reason for) the water shortagewater shortage

C.f. blame v. C.f. blame v. Hugh blames his lack of confidence Hugh blames his lack of confidence

on his mother. on his mother.

what does going at things the other what does going at things the other way refer to?way refer to?

It refers to sacrificing ambition in It refers to sacrificing ambition in order to avoid its potential excesses order to avoid its potential excesses (its may-be unacceptable or immoral (its may-be unacceptable or immoral actions).actions).


Why does the writer think it is wrong to Why does the writer think it is wrong to sacrifice ambition in order to avoid potential sacrifice ambition in order to avoid potential excessesexcesses??

To discourage ambition is to To discourage ambition is to discourage dreams of greatness.discourage dreams of greatness.

What distinguishes people one from What distinguishes people one from another?another?

Two things make people different Two things make people different from one another:from one another:

1. Their dreams (ambitions)1. Their dreams (ambitions)2. What they do to make their 2. What they do to make their

dreams come about (realized)dreams come about (realized)


But going at things the other way, But going at things the other way, sacrificing ambition so as to guard sacrificing ambition so as to guard against its potential excesses, is to go at against its potential excesses, is to go at things wrongly. (lines1-2, para.10)things wrongly. (lines1-2, para.10)

But it is also wrong to make great But it is also wrong to make great efforts to do these things (discussed efforts to do these things (discussed above) the opposite way, that is to say, above) the opposite way, that is to say, sacrificing ambition in order to prevent sacrificing ambition in order to prevent the potential excesses caused by it. the potential excesses caused by it. Here potential excesses means potential Here potential excesses means potential unacceptable immoral behaviors.unacceptable immoral behaviors.


Remove ambition and the essential elements Remove ambition and the essential elements of society seem to fly apartof society seem to fly apart . (line3-4, para. . (line3-4, para. 11)11)

If we remove ambition, the essential eIf we remove ambition, the essential elements of society seem to disappear lements of society seem to disappear suddenly.suddenly.

as opposed toas opposed to: (when two things are contra: (when two things are contrasted and the emphasis is on the first)sted and the emphasis is on the first) 相反，相反，

而不是而不是

There is a need for technical colleges There is a need for technical colleges as opposed toas opposed to universities. universities.

I’d prefer to go on holiday in May, as I’d prefer to go on holiday in May, as opposed to (=rather than) opposed to (=rather than) September.September.

run onrun on: be concerned with, have as a : be concerned with, have as a subjectsubject

His talk ran on recent His talk ran on recent developments in the industry.developments in the industry.

Bright’s mind kept running Bright’s mind kept running foolishly on the same theme.foolishly on the same theme.

The main ideaThe main idea (para. 8-11): (para. 8-11):

To discourage ambition is to To discourage ambition is to discourage dreams of greatness.discourage dreams of greatness.

Paragraph 12-13Paragraph 12-13

What is the writer’s attitude towards a world What is the writer’s attitude towards a world without ambitionwithout ambition??

A world without ambition is A world without ambition is unimaginable. If there were no unimaginable. If there were no ambition, life in it would be so boring ambition, life in it would be so boring that nobody could endure it.that nobody could endure it.

Your attitude?Your attitude?

Main ideaMain idea (para. 12-13) (para. 12-13)

Ambition will never be eliminated Ambition will never be eliminated from the world.from the world.

Topic sentence in each partsTopic sentence in each parts::

Part 1 (para. Part 1 (para. 1-31-3)) None of this seems a sufficient c None of this seems a sufficient cause for driving ambition under the counter.ause for driving ambition under the counter.

Part 2(para. Part 2(para. 4-54-5) ) What is the worst that can be said What is the worst that can be said abut ambition?abut ambition?

Part 3(para.6-7)Part 3(para.6-7) There is a heavy note of hypocrisy There is a heavy note of hypocrisy in this.in this.

Part 4(pars.Part 4(pars.8-118-11)) To discourage ambition is to disc To discourage ambition is to discourage dreams of greatness.ourage dreams of greatness.

Part 5(para. Part 5(para. 12-1312-13)) Ah, how unrelievedly boring life Ah, how unrelievedly boring life would be.would be.

Key to Exercises Key to Exercises

Vocabulary and structureVocabulary and structureA. 1. distinction 2. sheer A. 1. distinction 2. sheer

3.commensurate 4. refraining 5. 3.commensurate 4. refraining 5. incidentally 6. alleviate 7. deemed incidentally 6. alleviate 7. deemed 8.are blamed for 9. impulse 10. come 8.are blamed for 9. impulse 10. come acrossacross

B. 1. give…away 2. going at 3. imbued B. 1. give…away 2. going at 3. imbued with 4. identify …with 5. has risen with 4. identify …with 5. has risen above 6. own up 7. allow for 8. treat…above 6. own up 7. allow for 8. treat…to 9. Dog-eat-dog 10. the counter to 9. Dog-eat-dog 10. the counter

C. 1. choice, choose, chosen 2. C. 1. choice, choose, chosen 2. inextricable 3. shorn 4. definition 5. inextricable 3. shorn 4. definition 5. increasingly 6. social 7. Participatory 8. increasingly 6. social 7. Participatory 8. acquisitive 9. weighing 10. intimacy acquisitive 9. weighing 10. intimacy

D. 1. D. to pay them 2. A. Much as 3. D. 1. D. to pay them 2. A. Much as 3. D. endearing himself 4. C. number of D. endearing himself 4. C. number of 5. D. ignored 6. D. differently 7. A. 5. D. ignored 6. D. differently 7. A. respond 8. C. no more 9. B. that 10. C. /respond 8. C. no more 9. B. that 10. C. /

E.E. 1. holds 2. therefore 3. Does 4. really 5. 1. holds 2. therefore 3. Does 4. really 5.

empty 6. of 7. success 8. nor empty 6. of 7. success 8. nor 9. not 10. exists 11. likely 12. in 13. histo9. not 10. exists 11. likely 12. in 13. histo

rical 14. upbringing 15. condition 16. chrical 14. upbringing 15. condition 16. choicelessness 17. honorably 18. trivial 1oicelessness 17. honorably 18. trivial 19. how 20. ours 9. how 20. ours

TranslationTranslation 1. In spite of her recent election 1. In spite of her recent election

success, she remains first and foremost success, she remains first and foremost a writer, not a politician.a writer, not a politician.

2. Ambition is always identified with 2. Ambition is always identified with rank, fame and power. Therefore many rank, fame and power. Therefore many people have been unwilling to talk about people have been unwilling to talk about their dreams for a long time.their dreams for a long time.

3. Surely, if you want to be famous, it is 3. Surely, if you want to be famous, it is necessary for you to have ideal, because necessary for you to have ideal, because it is behind the accomplishment, but it is behind the accomplishment, but different from ambition.different from ambition.

TranslationTranslation 4. Ambition is often regarded as being 4. Ambition is often regarded as being

commensurate with bad sense because commensurate with bad sense because the single-minded have tried to achieve the single-minded have tried to achieve their goals by fair means or foul and often their goals by fair means or foul and often harm others.harm others.

5. Truly ambitious people seem to be 5. Truly ambitious people seem to be modest but actually they are on their own.modest but actually they are on their own.

6. Certainly some people are very 6. Certainly some people are very interested in their rank and fame. But interested in their rank and fame. But what has happened is that they do not what has happened is that they do not own up to it.own up to it.

TranslationTranslation 7. Some people try to go on in life at all 7. Some people try to go on in life at all

costs but refrain from appearing ambitious. costs but refrain from appearing ambitious. We should be aware that there is a note of We should be aware that there is a note of hypocrisy.hypocrisy.

8. Although he has come under attacks and 8. Although he has come under attacks and has been considered ambitious, none of has been considered ambitious, none of them are strong enough to make him give them are strong enough to make him give up on his dreams.up on his dreams.

9. It is not difficult to imagine a world shorn 9. It is not difficult to imagine a world shorn of ambition.It would probably be a world of ambition.It would probably be a world with no progress and no development. And, with no progress and no development. And, of course, it would be a tedious world.of course, it would be a tedious world.

TranslationTranslation

10. To develop our society, we need 10. To develop our society, we need a large number of people who have a large number of people who have both ideals and ambition because both ideals and ambition because both of these have the power to both of these have the power to inspire people to further efforts. inspire people to further efforts. Therefore, both are linchpin of our Therefore, both are linchpin of our society.society.

Reading practice Reading practice

1. B. 2. C 3. B 4. D 5.A 1. B. 2. C 3. B 4. D 5.A

Unit Seven

Documents

Transcript of Unit Seven