Page:Frank David Ely -Why defend the nation? Sound Americanism... (1924).pdf/64

60 Ambition is the white man's greatest national asset, as envy is his most virulent personal liability. Because of ambition all accomplishment and progress has directly resulted. In art, science, and business; in the professions; in our daily lives, at every turn of the road we are served by the fruits of ambition. In America ambition is the universal jewel, none the less precious because of its very prevalence; and in this it stands unique. It is free alike to rich and poor—it is without money and without price. Nor are color lines drawn on its availability. In no other land does it beckon and call with such prodigality.

It turns the mighty wheels of our government, for we have no hereditary administrators—no ruling class nor rulers. It ever urges science to greater endeavor; eases the daily burdens of all by the vast utilities it controls; unites all countries and bars isolation in the lightning's flash; digs treasures and comforts from far below the surface of the earth; distances the birds and the fishes in their own elements; carries the blessings of music and literature and art into even the lowliest homes; visualizes to all the beauties of nature and man the whole world over; and is the source from which the Christian religion gained the means for its world-wide dissemination in all languages.

But for ambition the world would be a most dreary old place. Civilization would be unknown. Forest and waste and wilderness would alternately prevail. Rude huts would be our homes; rough skins and rougher weaves our clothing; our only food that which Nature provides for the beasts and the fowls and the fishes. Disease, war, famine would stalk abroad uncontrolled, with no charity to stay or to ameliorate their effects.

As we go about our daily tasks little do we realize this tremendous impetus within us or its importance. Its fire carries to spiritual as well as to material results and therein wins its finest achievements. The spirit of service exemplifies this. That ambition is highest and noblest which, denying self, accomplishes the greatest good to the greatest number of our fellowmen. Material ambition enables the whole world to profit and to be a better world; but spiritual ambition achieves the dizzy heights of everlasting fame.

The severe and growing competition of the age tends to dull man's finer senses and traits: so it is well that ambition has