We always need people with ambition. The greater good requires willing or talented leaders showing the way and bringing along the flock. Ambition, however, has a dark side. Those most talented, those most able to win over a following, often show it by not patiently waiting their turn. The truly ambitious crown themselves. They tear the pre-eminent position from the incumbent’s grasp. Knowing this, wise incumbents are always looking about fearing a rude succession, for someone hiding this brutal ambition. Meanwhile, impatient successors constantly watch even the best leaders for subtle hints of weakness, of opportunity. Even ducks do it.