On Motivation

Motivation is a messy concept, because all of psychology is trivially about motivation—anything that speaks to how we think and act speaks to what moves us. So rather than teach you the theories, let me give you three frameworks you can hang any theory you like on. Rather read? I also made this episode into an article: https://btr.mt/analects/on-motivation-lecture And the piece it’s based on: https://btr.mt/analects/on-motivation. Stuff I mentioned: On Motivation—the article this episode adapts Motivation pt. I: Haphazard Dichotomies Motivation pt. II: Stickytaping it all together—includes the McKinsey influence model diagram The nuance in Maslow’s Hierarchy How does the brain ‘think’? Pt. I—the distinctions between psychology, cognitive science and neuroscience Learning isn’t all about memory You don’t understand negative reinforcement The predictability of humans Explaining group dynamics—Schutz on interpersonal needs Saving the planet is an illusion No action without emotion Beyond System 1 and System 2—on dual process theory Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Reasons for Action: Justification, Motivation, Explanation Maslow’s hierarchy of needs—the pyramid, since my description may not have served you McClelland’s need theory Alderfer’s ERG theory Max-Neef’s fundamental human needs Human givens Herzberg’s two-factor theory Equity theory Self-determination theory Psychological egoism—on whether altruism really exists McKinsey, The four building blocks of change—the influence model Othello, Act 4 Scene 2 the btrmt. lectures podcast Stanford Encyclopedia