In many professions, what used to matter most were abilities associated with the left side of the brain: linear, sequential, spreadsheet kind of faculties. Those still matter, but they're not enough.

To sell well is to convince someone else to part with resources—not to deprive that person, but to leave him better off in the end.

All of us want to be part of something bigger than ourselves, something that matters.

The ultimate pitch for an era of short attention spans begins with a single word - and doesn't go any further.

Control leads to compliance; autonomy leads to engagement.

Intrinsic motivation is conducive to creativity; controlling extrinsic motivation is detrimental to creativity.

While complying can be an effective strategy for physical survival, it's a lousy one for personal fulfillment. Living a satisfying life requires more than simply meeting the demands of those in control. Yet in our offices and our classrooms we have way too much compliance and way too little engagement. The former might get you through the day, but only the latter will get you through the night.