Punished by Rewards

In Punished by Rewards, Alfie Kohn explores the idea that rewards, like punishments, can actually hinder our motivation to learn and grow. He suggests that rewards can make us lose interest in tasks we once enjoyed, as we start to focus more on the reward than the task itself.

Kohn digs into the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. He argues that intrinsic motivation, the desire to do something because it's personally rewarding, is far more effective than extrinsic motivation, which is driven by the desire to earn rewards or avoid punishments.

The book also takes a look at how the reward system affects education. Kohn believes that grades, gold stars, and other rewards can actually discourage students from learning. Instead, he suggests that students should be encouraged to explore and understand the material, rather than just memorizing it for a grade.

Kohn doesn't just focus on education, he also researches the impact of rewards in the workplace. He finds that rewards can create a competitive environment, which can lead to stress and dissatisfaction. Instead, he suggests that workplaces should foster a collaborative environment where employees feel valued for their contributions, not just their results.

Finally, Punished by Rewards offers alternatives to the traditional reward system. Kohn suggests that we should focus on creating environments that foster intrinsic motivation, where people are encouraged to take risks, explore new ideas, and learn for the sake of learning. This, he argues, will lead to more meaningful and lasting success.