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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Format • £10.44
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 3927
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781847678881
  • Publisher: Canongate Books
  • Published: 2010-01-20
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 4

In Drive, Daniel H. Pink challenges conventional wisdom on motivation, revealing that the traditional carrot-and-stick approach is often ineffective. He argues that the key to high performance and satisfaction lies in the human need for autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Pink explores innovative companies and the work of scientists and entrepreneurs who are pioneering new methods of motivation, offering a bold vision for the future of work and personal achievement. Pink's insights are backed by extensive research and real-world examples, making Drive a compelling and practical guide for anyone looking to transform their approach to motivation. Whether at work, school, or home, this book provides the tools to unlock your potential and create a more fulfilling life.

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.

Waterstones · 2018-07-05
transformative 4.50

The book is transformative, offering a new way to think about motivation. It challenges everything you thought you knew about motivating people.

This reviewer found the book to be a transformative read, completely altering their perspective on motivation. They were particularly struck by how the book dismantles traditional notions of rewards and incentives, replacing them with a more nuanced understanding of intrinsic motivation. The reviewer felt that the book's insights were not only thought-provoking but also practical, offering a new way to approach personal and professional goals. They highly recommended it for anyone looking to understand the deeper aspects of human motivation.

Quick quotes

    A book that will change how you think and transform how you live.

    Forget everything you thought you knew about how to motivate people.

    The book offers a new way to think about motivation.

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