Are humans actually motivated by individual incentives?

[disillusioned]

If humans are incentive driven how come most people just do what their instincts/emotions tell them instead of doing what is actually in their own direct rational interest? Most people are fucking socially illiterate as far as I can tell and don't even know what their own interests are. Do personal incentives even meaningfully influence behavior?

I would argue that emotional and spiritual desires is what motivates most people, not material incentives.

 

[Roping Subhuman]

I think it's combination of both.

 

[Aesthetics_III]

Some people (and populations) are more individualistic than others, but i think nearly everyone is motivated most by emotional and spiritual desires.

 

[disillusioned]

I think it's combination of both.

Not sure I agree. Consider how fiscally illiterate most people are. How can somebody who doesn't even understand money be motivated by fiscal incentives?

 

[Gaia262]

If humans are incentive driven how come most people just do what their instincts/emotions tell them instead of doing what is actually in their own direct rational interest? Most people are fucking socially illiterate as far as I can tell and don't even know what their own interests are. Do personal incentives even meaningfully influence behavior?

I would argue that emotional and spiritual desires is what motivates most people, not material incentives.

The entire system is predicated on people acting in their own rational self interest hence adam Smith's "invisible hand"

The elite manipulate this as people just act in their self interest in whatever system they are in. It's irrational to work a job for a pay cheque when you can own your own company. It's irrational to get a 35 year mortgage , it's irrational to pay taxes , it's irrational to pray to God.

However people do this and in their own minds they are convinced they are being rational.