Action Quote by Robert Watson-Watt
“The three most effective incentives to human action may be ... classified as creed, greed and dread. ... In examining the scientist it is perhaps worth while to examine how far he is moved by these three incentives. I think that, rather peculiarly and rather exceptionally, he is very little moved by dread. ... He is in fact essentially a person who has been taught he must be fearless in his dealing with facts.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Human Motivation, 1940s
Human behavior is driven primarily by three motivations: belief, desire for gain, and fear, but scientists tend to be less influenced by fear.
In simple terms: People act from creed, greed, and dread; scientists ignore dread.
Key Takeaway
Recognize which incentive drives you and act accordingly.
Themes
motivation
human nature
science
psychology
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- leadership decisions
- personal goal setting
Key Concepts
creed
greed
dread
fearlessness
Questions to Reflect On
- What incentive most influences your decisions?
- How can fear be constructively managed?
A Different Perspective
Scientists may overestimate fearlessness, overlooking legitimate concerns.
![“[The scientist] believes passionately in facts, in measured facts. He believes there are no bad facts, that all facts are good facts, though they may be facts about bad things, and his intellectual satisfaction can come only from the acquisition of accurately known facts, from their organization…” quote by Robert Watson-Watt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0c6/robert-watson-watt-62021_acquisition_the-scientist-believes-passionately-in-f_2763153.jpg)
