Summary of first few chapters of Drive, by Daniel Pink.

Drive, by Daniel H. Pink, is a book on the new era of motivation. It talks about how the old system for motivation does not work anymore. The old system pertains of rewarding good work and punishing misbehaviour. This old system is everywhere, from the workplace to team sports to school. We all grew up around it, and have known its implications throughout our life. However, it is not effective. Some research was done into it in the early 20th Century, but was then dropped because it was not worthwhile. Then, another scientist picked it up many years later, and continued the research. He tested on apes, and later, humans. He realised that interest was the key factor in making us motivated to do work. This was significant, as many environments, as mentioned before, were based on the fact that people were "motivated" to do work if there was the possibility of a reward. This could be seen with bonuses at works, gold stars in school, and trophies in sporting events. There was need of reform.

Disclaimer: Mr. Pink did not endorse any of this, and merely contains my opinion and interpretation of the book. Please do read the book, it is very good.