Book Review: Why We Do What We Do

Why We Do What We Do: Understanding Self-Motivation
Edward L. Deci

This book was fascinating to me! I picked it up on a whim after I read The Power of Habit in B&N. I thought that a little more reading into the topic would be fun. Mr. Deci explains how he became interested in what motivates us, and through his and his colleagues' research, made the discoveries he has in the field. The primary argument that the author makes is that external motivation is false and leads to a false sense of self and a lack of autonomy. Intrinsic motivation is the only way to build up the autonomy of the individual. I also learned that "autonomy", "individuality", and "independence" are all very different things, but are often used as the same. The relationship between autonomy and responsibility is complicated, but an autonomous individual is often very responsible. In essence, autonomy is the option of making a choice, instead of feeling coerced or forced into an action. Rewards, consequences, and the one-up relationships that complicate our autonomy are discussed in depth.

The book is written well, and reads easily, though it's probably not going to go easily for a tired reader. Some of the concepts take a little thinking to grasp fully, but are valuable and immediately applicable, both to the self and to others.