Meaning Quote by Dan Ariely
““Maybe we feel meaning only when we deal with something bigger. Perhaps we hope that someone else, especially someone important to us, will ascribe value to what we've produced? Maybe we need the illusion that our work might one day matter to many people. That it might be of some value in the big, broad world out there [...]? Most likely it is all of these. But fundamentally, I think that almost any aspect of meaning [...] can be sufficient to drive our behaviour. As long as we are doing something that is somewhat connected to our self image, it can fuel our motivation and get us to work much harder.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely, 2008
People seek meaning by connecting their work to larger purposes, social validation, and personal identity, which boosts motivation and effort.
In simple terms: Meaning comes from purpose, approval, and self‑image.
Key Takeaway
Align tasks with purpose and identity.
Themes
motivation
meaning
identity
social validation
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career projects
- creative work
- volunteerism
- entrepreneurship
- team goals
Key Concepts
psychology
self‑determination theory
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What purpose drives your daily work?
- How does social approval affect your effort?
A Different Perspective
Meaning may be fleeting if external validation is absent.
![“[..] we human beings are ready and willing to steal something that does not explicitly reference monetary value - that is, something that lacks the face of a dead president.” quote by Dan Ariely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a1f/dan-ariely-1899_funny_we-human-beings-are-ready-and-willing-to_4436.jpg)
