The Smoke of Ambition: Every Goal Leaves a Trace

There is this proverb that says that the thief want to steal fire must have the courage to steal the smoke as well otherwise you will surely get caught. This is actually an African proverb and it speaks of the hidden cost of having an ambition, an ambition that is too terrible to have. It is a warning that when you have a bold goals and it often comes with visible consequences.

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Anyone trying to take a shortcut or trying to make it faster or try to achieve success faster at the expense of other people must also be prepared to face the signs that reveal the action as it is in the heart. The proverb is actually more than stealing something. It's not really about stealing about the fire.

It's not literally talking about the fire in any way. It's figuratively talking about you making an action and trying to hide the consequence that comes with it. Fire cannot be taken cleanly because smokes always follow so if you take out the fire the smoke will surely follow.

If a person wants to reward they must also be ready for the burden that comes with it. If they want the outcome they must accept the trail that it leaves behind. This idea is not only limited to fire alone.

It applies far beyond literal wrongdoing. In business someone may want rapid growth, a faster growth but the pressure, the transparency and the mistakes that comes with it are part of the package. In leadership a person may want influence but influence brings attention, accountability and criticism even in everyday life.

People do chase benefits of a decision without considering what it will cost, the cost and effect of it. The proverb reminds us that every action has a visible shadow. There is also a moralist idea about courage and integrity too.

This kind of proverb does not praise stealing of things, no. But it highlights the danger of trying to take what does not belong to you without full awareness of the risk. It suggests that deceit is never hidden truly because truth always leaves a trace and when it leaves a trace people can always see the black and white of it.

Evidence gives away intent and as time goes on reality tends to reveal what people tend to conceal. But the same can also be read more broadly as a lesson about commitment. If someone is going to pursue a difficult path they must be ready for the full experience not just the attractive part.

Anyone who wants the warmth of fire must endure his heart. Anyone who wants transformation must accept discomfort. Anyone who wants success must be prepared for effort and the sacrifice and the visibility must also be part of it.

This is what makes this proverb so enduring. It compresses a deep truth into a single image. By painting a picture of such a thing you start to know that is not everything in life that you can get away with.

In practical time the takeaway is very simple. Before you chase any goal ask yourself what will it cost me and what will be the cause and effect of it.

Posted Using INLEO