Examining human ambition through klages’ theory : A study of ferruccio lamborghini In lamborghini : the man behind the legend (2022)

Abstract

Abstract

Ambition can be understood as a strong inner drive that motivates individuals to pursue goals and ideals in life, often shaping their actions, decisions, and personal relationships. This concept is prominently depicted in Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend (2022), a biographical film directed by Robert Moresco, which portrays the life and struggles of Ferruccio Lamborghini as an ambitious industrialist. This study aims to examine the nature and manifestations of Ferruccio’s ambition as represented in the film. The research is grounded in Ludwig Klages’s personality psychology, particularly his conceptualization of the tension between Geist and Seele, which provides a framework for understanding ambition as a psychological drive rooted in rational domination and control. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, this study analyzes verbal expressions, actions, and narrative situations that reflect the protagonist’s ambition. The data are collected from selected scenes and dialogues and analyzed through three stages: data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that Ferruccio’s ambition is manifested in four dominant forms, as suggested by Klages, egoism, perfectionism, workaholism, and Type A personality traits, characterized by aggressiveness, competitiveness, impatience, and susceptibility to stress. These findings indicate that ambition in the film functions not only as a motivating force for success but also as a source of psychological tension and interpersonal conflict.

Keywords: Ambition, Selfishness, Perfectionism, Workaholic, Type A Personality