In politics, motivation isn’t important
Posted on: January 4, 2010
In politics, motivation doesn’t matter
A political science professor once said to me “In politics, motivation doesn’t matter.” I don’t think I have ever really understood that until I read the current Economist debate on “Who is leading the fight against climate change?”
Pro: Peggy Liu
“For Chinese people who see, smell and touch pollution every day, climate change leadership is closely related to personal health.” Read more
Con: Max Schulz
“China is not pursuing lower energy consumption per unit of GDP because of warming. It is pursuing it because it wants to be rich.” Read more
Does it matter why the Chinese reduce emissions. Surely if emissions are important then it is just important that they do?
How much credence do you give to motivation?
I’m trying to figure this out here. I think that maybe when we feel out-of-control that we look for sound lasting relationships. We like at least one ~ control over evolving events or a sound relationship. We are more likely to manage by outcomes when we have control. And we will want to trust motivation when we have little control.
Am I on the right track?
flowing motion 
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