In "Children of the Mind" by Orson Scott Card, the characters Wang-mu and Peter engage in a thought-provoking dialogue about the nature of virtues. Wang-mu questions whether traits like strong will, stubbornness, ambition, and selfishness are beneficial if they enable one to overcome obstacles. Peter concurs, suggesting that these qualities indeed represent essential virtues.

The exchange highlights the complexity of human traits and their impacts on overcoming challenges. Their determination to embrace these characteristics reflects a sense of resilience and commitment to achieving their goals, showcasing a philosophy that values ambition as a driving force in life.