In "Punished by Rewards," Alfie Kohn challenges the deeply entrenched belief in our education, parenting, and workplace cultures that success is best achieved through the promise of rewards or the fear of punishment. With a sharp eye and a wry wit, Kohn delves into decades of psychological research to debunk the myth that dangling carrots leads to real or lasting motivation. Instead, he proposes a revolutionary approach that seeks to nurture intrinsic motivation by engaging with individuals respectfully and collaboratively, rather than manipulating them with external incentives. Kohn's narrative is both provocative and persuasive, compelling readers to reconsider the effectiveness of rewards and punishments. He argues that these tactics may not only fail to achieve their intended outcomes but can also undermine our relationships and stifle the natural human propensity to learn and grow. "Punished by Rewards" is a critical and timely examination of how we motivate ourselves and others, offering insightful and practical alternatives to help us move beyond a simplistic system of carrots and sticks to foster genuine engagement and achievement.