The Bulletin
The Cost of Ambition with Miroslav Volf
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.
30:42
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Quick takeaways
- Ambition can serve as a powerful motivator yet poses risks when it prioritizes personal success over ethical governance and collective well-being.
- The conversation critically explores how societal perceptions of merit often overlook systemic inequalities, impacting individual identity and fostering unhealthy social comparisons.
Deep dives
The Urgency of Military Action in Gaza
The conflict in Gaza has escalated as the Israeli Security Cabinet has decided to expand military operations aimed at eradicating Hamas and securing the return of hostages. The ongoing tension between the humanitarian needs of the Gazan population and the military objectives of Israel has created a precarious situation. Reports indicate a substantial backlog of humanitarian aid at the Gaza border, which is hindered from reaching the citizens due to Hamas's control over its distribution. The urgency to intensify military pressure is partly driven by Israel's small population, which faces significant social and economic strain from prolonged military engagement.
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