Daniel Pink explains why people are motivated to do demanding cognitive work – such as software programming – for free. The science indicates that it has to do with our deep need for purpose, mastery, and autonomy that overshadows money as an incentive in certain situations.

The video makes a powerful argument that a society set up for contribution to the common good may suit us better than one that assumes we are rational self-maximizers. The video is based on Pink's new book, Drive.

Teaser image by kk+.