"Men do not value a good deed unless it brings a reward"

This quote by Ovid recommends that people are most likely to value a kind deed if it comes with a reward. This indicates that individuals are more likely to be motivated by external benefits than by the intrinsic worth of doing something great. This might be translated as a criticism of humanity, as it indicates that people are more likely to do something if they are incentivized to do so. It could likewise be seen as a reflection of the reality of human nature, as people frequently need external inspiration to do something that is beneficial to them. Eventually, this quote recommends that people are more likely to appreciate a kind deed if it comes with a benefit, and that intrinsic motivation is inadequate to inspire individuals to do something excellent.