How do Gulliver's travels serve as a critique of human ambition?

Gulliver's travels serve as a critique of human ambition primarily by revealing the folly and consequences of excessive pride and aspiration. Throughout the narrative, Gulliver encounters various societies that embody different aspects of human ambition, from the monumental pride of the Lilliputians, who engage in absurd political conflicts over trivial matters, to the Houyhnhnms, who represent a rational and modest existence in contrast to the flawed nature of humanity.

Through these interactions, Swift illustrates how unchecked ambition leads to disastrous outcomes, such as conflict and dehumanization. The exploration of these societies exposes the absurdity of human endeavors when driven by excessive pride. Gulliver’s journey ultimately leads him to question the very nature of humanity and its relentless pursuit of greatness, revealing that such aspirations can be misguided and detrimental to individual and societal well-being. This critical perspective encourages readers to reflect on their own ambitions and the potential consequences that may arise from them.