Toynbee argues that concentrating narrowly on an immediate objective may not be the most effective way to achieve it. A person who aims at something larger may develop greater abilities, adopt a broader perspective or sustain stronger motivation, with the original goal becoming a consequence of pursuing the more demanding one.

The paradox lies in reaching one objective by directing attention beyond it. Toynbee is not suggesting that ambition guarantees success, but that higher aspirations can change the scale of a person’s effort and judgement. A modest goal pursued in isolation may encourage equally modest action, whereas a more ambitious purpose can require capacities that also make the smaller objective attainable. The quotation therefore presents ambition not simply as wanting more, but as a way of organising effort around a wider purpose. It can be applied when an immediate target feels too narrow or when progress may depend on developing beyond the requirements of that target alone.