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The solution is to gradually become free of societal…

“The solution is to gradually become free of societal rewards and learn how to substitute for them rewards that are under one's own powers. This is not to say that we should abandon every goal endorsed by society; rather, it means that, in addition to or instead of the goals others use to bribe us…” quote by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
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“The solution is to gradually become free of societal rewards and learn how to substitute for them rewards that are under one's own powers. This is not to say that we should abandon every goal endorsed by society; rather, it means that, in addition to or instead of the goals others use to bribe us with, we develop a set of our own.”

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

About This Quote

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

Gradually detach from external rewards and develop self‑driven goals, without rejecting all societal aims.

In simple terms: Create personal goals, not just societal ones.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate intrinsic motivation.

Themes

self‑development motivation autonomy society

Mood

inspirational thoughtful

Type

philosophical practical

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • education
  • personal projects
  • well‑being

Key Concepts

intrinsic reward goal setting self‑determination

Questions to Reflect On

  • What personal goals can you set?
  • How do you replace external rewards?
A Different Perspective

Balancing societal expectations can be challenging.

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