Random Aurelius

So I read this quote:
‘A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires.’
Marcus Aurelius

So I was like, whats the difference between aspiration and ambition?
Interestingly enough:
aspiration
1530s, “action of breathing into,” from L. aspirationem (nom. aspiratio), noun of action from aspiratus, pp. of aspirare (see aspire). Meaning “steadfast longing for a higher goal, earnest desire for something above one” is recorded from c.1600 (sometimes collectively, as aspirations).

ambition
mid-14c., from L. ambitionem (nom. ambitio) “a going around (to solicit votes),” from ambitus, pp. of ambire “to go around” (see ambient). Rarely used in the literal sense in English; the sense of “eager or inordinate desire of honor or preferment” goes back to the Latin.

While they are virtually synonymous in modern semantics, their historical roots differ quite a bit. Aspiration is breathing into, like breathing life into an idea. Whereas ambient is going around, like going around with, or soliciting, the idea. Cool, I think.