If intrinsic motivation is high, if we are passionate…
““If intrinsic motivation is high, if we are passionate about what we are doing, creativity will flow. External expectations and rewards can kill intrinsic motivation and thus kill creativity. When intrinsic motivation drops off, so does our willingness to explore new avenues and different ideas, something that is crucial at the Intersection. This means that in order to stay motivated and execute an intersectional idea, as did Prothrow-Stith and Hawkins and Dubinsky, we must be careful of explicit, external rewards. Stephen King puts it this way: “Money is great stuff to have, but when it comes to the act of creation, the best thing is not to think of money too much. It constipates the whole process.”14””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Passion fuels creativity; external rewards can undermine intrinsic drive, stifling innovation.
In simple terms: Passion drives creativity; rewards can hurt it.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize intrinsic motivation over external incentives.
Themes
creativity
motivation
innovation
intrinsic vs extrinsic
reward systems
Mood
reflective
inspired
cautious
Type
advice
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- team brainstorming
- personal projects
- research and development
- entrepreneurial ventures
Key Concepts
Self-determination theory
creative flow
psychology of motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you design environments that nurture intrinsic motivation?
- What rewards might you replace with autonomy or mastery?
A Different Perspective
External rewards may create pressure that reduces risk‑taking and originality.