B.F. Skinner’s groundbreaking work in 1938 fundamentally reshaped our understanding of learning and behaviour through his theory of operant conditioning, a cornerstone of behavioural psychology that continues to influence both cognitive psychology and educational practices. Skinner proposed that behaviour is not merely a response to stimuli, as classical conditioning suggested, but is shaped and maintained by its consequences. Operant conditioning unfolds in distinct stages: first, a behaviour occurs; second, a consequence follows - either a reinforcer (which increases the likelihood of the behaviour recurring) or a punisher (which decreases it); third, over time, these consequences modify behaviour patterns. Skinner distinguished between positive reinforcement (adding a rewarding stimulus), negative reinforcement (removing an unpleasant stimulus), positive punishment (adding an aversive stimulus), and negative punishment (removing a desired stimulus), each playing a role in behaviour shaping. This research holds profound significance for humanity. It laid the scientific foundation for effective behaviour modification techniques used in education, therapy, parenting, workplace management, and rehabilitation. On a personal level, understanding operant conditioning empowers individuals to shape their habits, overcome destructive patterns, and build more fulfilling lives. Societally, it promotes systems of reward, accountability, and support that foster collective wellbeing, equity, and psychological health, demonstrating how scientific insight into human behaviour can lead to compassionate, constructive, and thriving communities. Operant principles can be seen in God's words to Cain: "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7). Such a statement reminds us that there is also a cognitive component in learning ("you should rule over it"). Our responses are not merely a function of reward, but also the perceptions and decisions that we make.