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Material gain is obviously a powerful motivator, but it is far from the only motivator, and probably not the primary one behind most human action.

Back in 2014, the late great David Graeber wrote a paper titled “On the moral grounds of economic relations:
A Maussian approach,” in which he attempted to categorize the various kinds of “gifts” according to the varying logics of hierarchy.

The most basic kind of gift, he argued, is one that conveyed no obligation of reciprocity. This he called “everyday communism,” the sort of mutual aid or conviviality that underpins all of human sociality.

Sometimes, the need is great enough: perhaps you see a child fall onto the train tracks and jump down to save them without thinking about reward.

Sometimes, the cost is low enough: perhaps a stranger asks you for directions and you provide them without asking for payment.

Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of ensuring the pleasure of someone’s company.

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