There are 2 kinds of ambitious (and famous) people I've met: those with and those without humility. Those with humility don't desire or even try to be ambitious (or famous). For them, ambition & fame are (perhaps undesired) side effects of other primary qualities like relentlessness & perseverance. The other kind are aware of ambition/fame, actively pursue it and openly flaunt their love for it. Those that are in this group also are more likely to be huge assholes.<p>Both paths may lead you to big things. The question to ask yourself is what other traits do you want to be known for. Lots of founders are assholes (steve jobs?) but you don't have to be an asshole to be a founder. My advice would be to not pursue ambition. Just go find what you love working on so much that it makes you forget who you are. Also, I know you didn't ask about fame but awareness and active pursuit of fame & ambition kinda goes hand in hand.