Most Americans don't really have a choice. There's just not enough time and energy for self-direction after a 40+ hour work week.
The evidence is in age (and those who do have the extra time). Children are incredibly curious and self-motivated. Teenagers are too, if you give them the opportunity and guidance. If you're lucky enough to go to college, you have a pocket of time to try things and tinker (in addition to the easier-to-find socializing aspect) before the realization of how much debt hits you. People in their 20s-60s aren't self-motivated because work occupies most of their time. Not the other way around.
Also, for being in a field that relies on creativity and changing people's perspective and habits, saying that it's a non-starter because people are cynical and won't change is not being very creative.
Most Americans don't really have a choice. There's just not enough time and energy for self-direction after a 40+ hour work week.
The evidence is in age (and those who do have the extra time). Children are incredibly curious and self-motivated. Teenagers are too, if you give them the opportunity and guidance. If you're lucky enough to go to college, you have a pocket of time to try things and tinker (in addition to the easier-to-find socializing aspect) before the realization of how much debt hits you. People in their 20s-60s aren't self-motivated because work occupies most of their time. Not the other way around.
Also, for being in a field that relies on creativity and changing people's perspective and habits, saying that it's a non-starter because people are cynical and won't change is not being very creative.