ReThinking Ambition vs. aspiration with philosopher Agnes Callard
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Jun 13, 2023 
Agnes Callard, a philosopher at the University of Chicago, dives into the intriguing distinctions between ambition and aspiration. She explores how ambition is goal-driven, while aspiration seeks deeper understanding of values. The conversation touches on balancing philosophy with parenting, discussing societal pressures and the dynamics of dialogue. Callard emphasizes the importance of evolving thoughts through meaningful conversations, advocating for a more aspirational approach to personal growth.
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Philosophy and Debate
- Agnes Callard's introduction to philosophy came through high school debate.
- She hoped it would improve her debate performance, but it didn't lead to more wins.
Ambition vs. Aspiration
- Ambition seeks pre-defined goals, while aspiration involves changing one's values.
- Aspiring individuals aim to acquire new desires, not just fulfill existing ones.
Self-Awareness in Aspiration
- Aspiration involves self-attention, focusing on personal growth and value acquisition.
- It's not inherently narcissistic, but depends on the pursued values.
