Common purpose Quote by Anne-Marie Slaughter
““Humans pursuing deep, complete connections respond to quite different incentives from those that influence self-interested utility maximizers. Rewards, monitoring, and punishments are less likely to be effective than engagement, communication, norms, socialization, identity, and common purpose. They share not out of a calculation of reciprocity but from a psychological pleasure in sharing. Those seeking connections make decisions from their hearts as well as their heads, influenced by emotion, fairness, empathy, and intuition. Their behavior, thoughts, feelings, and even personal attributes are highly socially contingent. The range of humanity includes individuals who display every possible combination of selfishness and sociability.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Future of Work, Anne-Marie Slaughter, 2020
Human connections thrive on emotional and social incentives rather than purely rational self‑interest; engagement and shared purpose drive cooperation.
In simple terms: People cooperate for emotional and social reasons, not just self‑interest.
Key Takeaway
Foster environments that prioritize engagement and shared purpose.
Themes
social connection
motivation
empathy
collaboration
psychology
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
sociological
psychological
When to use this quote
- team building
- community projects
- peer mentorship
- policy design
Key Concepts
behavioral economics
social identity theory
organizational culture
Questions to Reflect On
- What incentives best promote genuine collaboration?
- How can organizations balance rational rewards with emotional needs?
A Different Perspective
Some contexts still reward self‑interest, limiting altruistic incentives.
![“Do not vote for Hillary [Clinton] because she is a woman. Ask yourself, who has done more for women so far and who will do more for women in the future - and then make your choice.” quote by Anne-Marie Slaughter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fbd/anne-marie-slaughter-12363_ask-yourself_do-not-vote-for-hillary-clinton-because_507464.jpg)
![“Our approach [to global security] has changed by the way we've elevated development. The biggest lesson is to recognize global responsibility.” quote by Anne-Marie Slaughter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/27f/anne-marie-slaughter-12363_approach_our-approach-to-global-security-has-chan_756869.jpg)
