Money is a result, not a reason is a game-changing perspective. It flips the entire script on how we think about success and motivation, forcing you to look at your core purpose first.
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Meaning
The core message is simple but profound: financial gain is an outcome of doing great work, not the primary motivation for it.
Explanation
Let me break this down. I’ve seen so many businesses and individuals get this backwards. They start with “How much money can we make?” and then work backward to a product. Sinek argues that’s a weak foundation. The most resilient, inspiring, and successful endeavors—think Apple, think the Wright brothers—start with a powerful Why. A belief, a cause, a purpose that is bigger than profit. When you genuinely serve that purpose, when you create real value for people, the money follows. It’s a byproduct of excellence, not the target you’re aiming at. It’s the scoreboard, not the game itself.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Wealth (107) |
| Topics | money (27), motivation (113), purpose (186) |
| Literary Style | aphoristic (181), minimalist (442) |
| Emotion / Mood | clarifying (20), realistic (354) |
| Overall Quote Score | 77 (179) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes directly from Simon Sinek’s 2009 book, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. It’s a central tenet of his “Golden Circle” philosophy. You’ll sometimes see the sentiment echoed elsewhere, but this is the definitive source.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Simon Sinek (207) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action (54) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Simon Sinek champions a leadership philosophy rooted in purpose, trust, and service. He started in advertising, then founded Sinek Partners and gained global attention with his TED Talk on the Golden Circle. He advises companies and the military, writes bestselling books, and hosts the podcast “A Bit of Optimism.” The Simon Sinek book list features Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, Together Is Better, Find Your Why, and The Infinite Game. He speaks worldwide about building strong cultures, empowering people, and leading for the long term.
| Official Website | Facebook | X| Instagram | YouTube
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Money is a result, not a reason |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2009; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-1591842804; Last edition: Portfolio/Penguin 2011; Number of pages: 256 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 3: The Golden Circle, Approximate page from 2011 edition |