A Theory of Ambition

17 May 2017 | Nolan Manteufel | nolan.manteufel@gmail.com

Abstract A Theory of Ambition

This paper introduces a mathematical definition for Ambition is a difference between a variable and a
ambition. reference. Reference and variable values can be any real
numbers.
Introduction
Eq. (6) Variable: = ()
I previously defined force as the mathematical product of
ability and ambition, see Eq. (1), and the calculus of Eq. (7) Reference: = ()
ambition to include the concepts of passion, motivation,
More specifically, ambition is a difference between a
inspiration and creativity, see Eq. (2) through Eq. (5).
perceived variable and a perceived reference.
Eq. (1) Force: = (Manteufel, 2013)
Eq. (8) Variable: = {}
Eq. (2) Passion: = (Manteufel, 2015)
Eq. (9) Reference: = {}
()
Eq. (3) Motivation: = (Manteufel, 2015)
There are two types of ambition differences: (1) variable

() minus reference, and (2) reference minus variable.

Eq. (4) Inspiration: = (Manteufel, 2015)

Eq. (10) Ambition: =
()
Eq. (5) Creativity: = (Manteufel, 2015)

Eq. (11) Ambition: =
While attempting to design experiments to test these ideas,
In both types of ambition differences, the perceived terms
lacking a mathematical definition for ambition became an
(variable and reference) can be any combination of
apparent problem. This paper presents the first
memory, current, predictive, alternative or transposed
mathematical definition of ambition that feels adequate for
perceptions.
designing such experiments.

For each of these types of ambition differences, there are

This paper acknowledges the difficulty of measuring and
calculating ambition due to ambitions abstract, intangible,
relative and personal nature. To illustrate this difficulty,
imagine a planet with a highly variable, or fluctuating,
gravitational field. On such a planet, the mathematical
complexity posed by non-constant gravity would inhibit
the discovery of a system for measuring and calculating
quantities of mass, weight and mechanical force.
two types of ambition values: (1) deficit/surplus, and (2)
punishment/reward.
When the ambition value type is a deficit/surplus, the
reference is a stasis, satisfaction or comfort value. This type
of value corroborates with Maslows concept of deficiency
motivators.
When the ambition value type is a punishment/reward, the
reference is a goal, desired or undesired value. This type of
value corroborates with Maslows concept of self-
actualization motivators.