Psychology

Driven: How Human Nature Shapes Our Choices

Name: Driven: How Human Nature Shapes Our Choices
Rating: 4.8 (1000 reviews)
Author: Paul R. Lawrence and Nitin Nohria

Paul R. Lawrence and Nitin Nohria

27 minAudio9 insights

What you'll learn

•The existence and nature of four innate human drives: Acquire, Bond, Learn, and Defend.
•How evolutionary biology explains the development of the modern human mind and these drives.
•The role of these drives in shaping individual behavior, culture, and social institutions.
•Why human diversity exists despite shared drives, due to environmental and cultural contingencies.
•How the four drives apply to organizational life and leadership for improved performance.
•The implications of the four-drive theory for social reform and economic development.
•The importance of interdisciplinary approaches to unify knowledge about human nature.

Who should read this

✓Organizational Leaders and Managers
✓Students and Scholars of Psychology and Sociology
✓Business and Management Professionals
✓Anyone Interested in Human Behavior and Motivation

About this book

A comprehensive theory that human behavior is driven by four innate drives—acquire, bond, learn, and defend—that shape individual choices and social institutions.

Did You Know?

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The four-drive theory integrates findings from biology, psychology, anthropology, and economics into a unified framework.

Audio Summary

Section 1

The Four Innate Drives That Shape Our Lives

3:45

9 Sections

Preview: The Four Innate Drives That Shape Our Lives

Imagine the human mind as a vibrant orchestra, where four distinct instruments play together to create the symphony of our behavior. These instruments are the four innate drives that pulse through every human being: the drive to acquire, the drive to bond, the drive to learn, and the drive to defend. These drives are not just abstract ideas but the biological underpinnings of our choices, emotions, and social structures. They are hardwired into our brains, shaped by millions of years of evolution, compelling us to seek resources, form lasting relationships, understand our world, and protect ourselves and those we love.

Consider the drive to acquire, the oldest and most visible. It pushes us to gather food, wealth, status, and experiences. Yet, as vital as this drive is, it alone cannot explain the rich tapestry of human life. Without the drive to bond, we would be isolated, lacking the social networks that nurture and protect us. Without the drive to learn, we would be trapped in ignorance, unable to adapt or innovate. Without the drive to defend, we would be vulnerable to threats, unable to maintain safety and order.

These drives operate independently. Fulfilling one does not quench the others. You may have wealth but feel lonely without meaningful bonds. You may be safe but restless without new knowledge. This interplay creates the complexity of human motivation and behavior. Understanding this quartet of drives offers a powerful lens through which to view ourselves and the societies we build.

As we embark on this journey through the depths of human nature, we will explore each drive in detail, uncovering their origins, expressions, and implications. Let us begin by looking back into the evolutionary past to see how these drives shaped the human mind itself.