So very, very true. Healthy ambition is a good thing, but from what I have observed over my lifetime it is usually the hyper-ambitious who rise to most leadership positions, whether in government or private industry. These people also tend to be narcissistic and bereft of principles or moral courage. They will do or say whatever is necessary to promote their own personal interests. That’s why we’ve witnessed so many of them prostrate themselves in response to the “systemic racism” nonsense. Even apologizing for their own existence is not beneath these fools if to do so might elevate their standing among their superficial peers.
I absolutely cannot stand such hollow poseurs. I am surrounded by them in the organization I work for, and without exception they are supremely unimpressive. Oh, some of them have Ivy League credentials, including a couple who attended the Kennedy School of Government, yet not one of them has the slightest bit of common sense. But they have the right contacts, they have the requisite used car salesman personalities, and they all spout the same inane corporate buzz words (“what was the ask?”, “unpack”, “circle back”, “put a pin in it”, etc.). It all gets so tiresome when you know dozens or even hundreds of average lower-level employees who would be far better decision makers.
Preach it, brother.
I’ve observed the exact same thing.