Paul GrahamVerified account

Almost everyone starts off extrinsically motivated to some degree.

Basic version: for most people the levels of the video game go money, power (little power as in managing other people, etc), status (and proving yourself), impact (real power), and finally ‘self-actualization’, eg seeing how good you can be and expressing your curiosity.

All the levels always overlap (most people who do great work were never entirely driven by money, at least not for long, and people on the last level still want more status/ impact), but the mix changes a lot over time. The last level is like infinite Tetris, it never stops.

Also, the last level is intrinsically motivated, and it's where it seems people do their best work.