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Somehow people get the idea I think we should be given…

“Somehow people get the idea I think we should be given gumdrops whenever we do anything of value.” quote by B. F. Skinner
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“Somehow people get the idea I think we should be given gumdrops whenever we do anything of value.”

B. F. Skinner

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People expect automatic rewards for any effort, ignoring intrinsic motivation.

In simple terms: Rewards are expected for any value.

Key Takeaway

Encourage intrinsic motivation over external rewards.

Themes

motivation behavior rewards expectations

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • workplace
  • parenting
  • volunteerism

Key Concepts

behaviorism reinforcement theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do rewards affect lasting motivation?
  • When is a reward appropriate?
A Different Perspective

External rewards can undermine long‑term engagement.

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