Answer:
D. desire to achieve.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most closely related meaning of the word "ambition" in the given passage is desire to achieve. In the passage, the word "ambition" is used to describe the desire of statesmen to leave their names on the page of history and be venerated by future generations . This aligns with the definition of ambition as a strong desire to achieve something or to be successful Therefore, the correct answer is D. desire to achieve.