Ambition is portrayed not as a single endpoint but as an ongoing journey shared by many. Regardless of individual goals, this journey requires navigating through commonly experienced challenges such as motivation, hard work, and resilience in the face of setbacks. While ambition can turn negative if not thoughtfully managed, transforming a person into an unfeeling machine, it can also lead to remarkable achievements and fulfillment when approached with care.

Moreover, the author contrasts the experiences of overachievers with those of hedonists. He implies that the substantial successes and joys of those who work hard for their ambitions can provoke resentment in those who seek pleasure without effort. Overachievers, through their dedication, often access deeper satisfaction, contrasting with the fleeting joys sought by hedonists, suggesting that fulfillment can come from commitment and perseverance.