B. F. Skinner’s operant conditioning, articulated powerfully in Science and Human Behavior (1953), expanded our understanding of motivation by revealing how behaviour is shaped not merely by hidden inner drives but by the dynamic, adaptive interplay between actions and their consequences; this insight helped to reframe motivation as something we can cultivate, showing that positive reinforcement can strengthen desired behaviours, empower personal growth, and build habits that sustain wellbeing, while at the societal level it inspired more humane approaches to education, therapy, and social policy that focus on supporting constructive behaviour rather than punishing failure, ultimately contributing to healthier individuals and more compassionate, effective institutions. By describing operant conditioning, Skinner took an ancient learning process and made it more accessible in our day. Learning by reward will always be a central dynamic in personal and societal development. The principle lies at the heart of God’s historic dealings with humanity. Consider the promises listed in Deuteronomy chapter 28 for those who receive and obey His word.