"The second-named motive, ambition or, in milder terms, the aiming
at recognition and consideration, lies firmly fixed in human nature.
With absence of mental stimulus of this kind, human cooperation
would be entirely impossible; the desire for the approval of one's
fellowman certainly is one of the most important binding powers of
society.  In this complex of feelings, constructive and destructive
forces lie closely together.  Desire for approval and recognition
is a healthy motive; but the desire to be acknowledged as better,
stronger or more intelligent than a fellow being or fellow scholar
easily leads to an excessively egoistic psychological adjustment,
which may become injurious for the individual and for the community."

--From Albert Einstein's Out of my later years, 
On Education