The Bulletin The Cost of Ambition with Miroslav Volf
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May 6, 2025 Miroslav Volf, a leading Croatian theologian and Yale professor, discusses the true cost of ambition. He delves into how the pursuit of success can strain personal identity and relationships. Volf critiques the competitive nature of society, likening it to the 2008 U.S. Olympic basketball team, where ambition sometimes overshadows empathy. He emphasizes the importance of unconditional love, urging listeners to reflect on the balance between striving for excellence and cultivating a more inclusive community.
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Kobe Bryant's Fierce Ambition
- Kobe Bryant's fierce ambition changed the atmosphere of the 2008 Olympic basketball team.
- He fouled Pau Gasol brutally to assert competitive dominance despite their friendship.
Virtuous Ambition vs. Superiority
- Ambition loses virtue when driven by superiority rather than excellence.
- True competition allows rejoicing in others' victories without envy.
Merit and Christian Identity
- Merit is a flawed basis for self-identity since much of what we achieve is received, not earned.
- Christian theology emphasizes that everything we have is a gift, not a personal boast.