Ideas worth spreading

What makes us feel good about our work?

7,469,820 views |

Dan Ariely |

TEDxRiodelaPlata

• October 2012

What motivates us to work? Contrary to conventional wisdom, it isn't just money. But it's not exactly joy either. It seems that most of us thrive by making constant progress and feeling a sense of purpose. Behavioral economist Dan Ariely presents two eye-opening experiments that reveal our unexpected and nuanced attitudes toward meaning in our work.

What motivates us to work? Contrary to conventional wisdom, it isn't just money. But it's not exactly joy either. It seems that most of us thrive by making constant progress and feeling a sense of purpose. Behavioral economist Dan Ariely presents two eye-opening experiments that reveal our unexpected and nuanced attitudes toward meaning in our work.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxRiodelaPlata, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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About the speaker

Dan Ariely

Behavioral economist

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Dan Ariely questions the forces that influence human behavior and the irrational ways we often behave.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxRiodelaPlata, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.