Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

by Daniel H. Pink, Daniel Pink
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Psychology and Human Behavior
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  • ID: 3927
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781101524381
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2011-04-05
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Drive,' Daniel H. Pink challenges the traditional carrot-and-stick approach to motivation, arguing that the key to high performance and satisfaction lies in autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Drawing on decades of scientific research, Pink reveals the mismatch between what science knows and what businesses do, providing insightful techniques to apply these principles in various aspects of life. Pink's provocative and persuasive book transforms our understanding of motivation, offering a paradigm-shifting approach that can change how we think and live. By focusing on the deeply human need to direct our own lives, learn, and create, 'Drive' presents a unique and compelling vision for personal and professional growth.

Reviews
Malissa Greenwood · Malissa Greenwood · 2025-11-23
delightful 4.50

The book is a delightful and informative exploration of the psychology behind motivation. It is well-written and engaging, making it a great read for anyone curious about what drives human behavior.

Malissa Greenwood describes 'Drive' as a perfectly delightful and informative non-fiction book. She appreciates its engaging writing style and the valuable insights it provides into the psychology of motivation. Greenwood finds the book well-researched and thought-provoking, making it a great read for anyone interested in understanding what drives human behavior. She particularly enjoys the book's ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging. Overall, she views it as a highly recommendable read.

Quick quotes

    Drive is a perfectly delightful and informative non-fiction book.

    If you're at all curious about the psychology behind motivation, this book is a must-read.

    The book makes complex concepts accessible and engaging.

Catherine Cheek · 2024-09-25
insightful 3.50

The book provides valuable insights into how rewards can either enhance or hinder motivation. It offers practical advice on understanding and applying intrinsic motivators.

This reviewer found the book to be a compelling exploration of motivation, particularly in how external rewards can sometimes backfire. They appreciated the practical examples and research-backed insights, which made the concepts easy to understand and apply. The book's focus on intrinsic motivation resonated with them, offering a fresh perspective on what truly drives people. However, they noted that while the book is insightful, it may not be a comprehensive guide for all management situations.

Quick quotes

    The first part of the book talks about rewards, and how they can help (or hinder) people's motivation to do things.

    Pink's argument is compelling and backed by solid research.

    The book offers practical advice on how to harness intrinsic motivators.

Deliberate Owl · 2022-03-01
eye-opening 4.00

The book challenges traditional ideas about rewards and incentives, offering a fresh perspective on intrinsic motivation. It provides a clear explanation of why external rewards often fail.

This reviewer was particularly impressed with how the book dismantles conventional wisdom about motivation. They found Pink's explanations of why external rewards can be counterproductive to be both eye-opening and well-supported by evidence. The book's emphasis on intrinsic motivation was seen as a game-changer, providing a new lens through which to view personal and professional goals. They also appreciated the actionable insights that can be applied in various aspects of life.

Quick quotes

    Pink explains when and why external rewards and punishments fail, and how we can harness intrinsic motivators to get the results we desire.

    The book is a fascinating and eye-opening exploration of what truly motivates people.

    It challenges traditional ideas about rewards and incentives.

Cannonball Read · RaraGabor · 2022-01-01
enlightening 4.50

The book introduces a new philosophy of motivation centered around autonomy, mastery, and purpose. It argues that these elements are crucial for true motivation in the modern workplace.

RaraGabor's review emphasizes the book's introduction of a new philosophy of motivation, which focuses on autonomy, mastery, and purpose. They appreciate how the book breaks down these elements and explains their importance in driving true motivation. The reviewer finds the book's insights to be valuable for understanding the needs of a new kind of worker. They highlight the book's practical relevance and its ability to transform how readers think about motivation.

Quick quotes

    Pink posits that a new kind of worker needs a new philosophy, and breaks down the three elements of true motivation: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.

    The book offers a valuable perspective on what truly motivates people in the modern workplace.

    It provides practical insights into how to harness intrinsic motivators for better results.

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