Of Human Motivation

Red. Yellow. Blue.

Those are the primary colors, the three colors that make up all the myriad hues and shades that liven up the world around us.

I think, based on all that I have seen and experienced in my reasonably long life, that there are three primary motivations that are the basis for all human actions.

Anger. Fear. Love.

Those, according to me, are the primary motivations that make up the varied feelings and emotions that make us do what we do.

And I am not sure if it is just a coincidence or if it is by design that each of these primary motivations are usually associated with each of the primary colors — anger with red, fear with yellow, and love with blue.

And each motivation, when followed through, creates a different end result.

Anger annihilates. Fear paralyzes. Love elevates.

These are not the results for an individual. These are the end results for humanity at large. One person’s anger can annihilate the lives and happiness of many around. So too one person’s fear can paralyze generations that follow, and one person’s love can elevate lives of every life they touch.

There are many examples from history. But this is not a lecture, this is just one person reflecting on life. I leave these thoughts here for the reader to analyze and reach their own conclusions.

Fortunately, by giving ourselves time to think, we can choose which motivation to accept and act accordingly. It is hard, and needs a lot of training and practice. But it is necessary to make our lives meaningful and purposeful.

I don’t say happy or peaceful or joyful. For, even in our darkest hour, when life is devoid of peace or joy, what can keep us going is purpose and meaning. But the moment we lose them, no amount of pleasure or happiness can make us feel alive.

I hope that some day all human actions are driven by the emotions based in love. And I hope that I live to see that day.