If you say that someone has “passion” for politics, more likely than not, you’re talking about a columnist or blogger. A passion for politics means that you enjoy writing about it, dissecting it, and understanding it.

On the other hand, people says that politicians have “ambition.” This is probably because politicians have to jostle and elbow their way to the front. We don’t say they have a “passion” for the elbowing–probably because no one really likes it–but we say they have “ambition.”

I think “ambition” is often attractive. We like hearing from and talking to people who want to get ahead. We admire their drive, and we often want to help them achieve what they want. Life is actually quite boring without ambitious people. It’s an interesting concept because it really does go both ways.

I think discovering what one’s passion in life is more important than ambition–and will prove much more personally fulfilling.

Ambition, as you have suggested, is about acquisition of power above all else. Ambition is not concerned with the intrinsic value of an activity, as this activity is just a means to an end.

Passion, on the other hand, is about finding that “thing” which you find intrinsically compelling and speaks to you at a deep personal level. It moves you emotionally, intellectually, and otherwise.

It’s become something of a cliche, but Joseph Campbell’s idea about “following your bliss” is true.

http://www.jcf.org/new/index.php?categoryid=31