[doctorwho42]

That works only in theory.

I can name a plethora of good things that are not rewarded.

- teaching - writing good documentation - picking up trash - putting back your shopping cart - writing useful books (generally only the best of the best of the best get any real rewards) - helping a stranger - maintaining or improving the environment (don't drill baby drill)

So though I think the economic philosophy of providing incentive/rewards for good things, it is almost anything but that in practical economics

[bittercynic]

I think all of those things are rewarded, it's just that the rewards are intrinsic. If you do any of those things well, it will be enjoyable for you.

[falcolas]

Don’t forget, especially relevant for thus crowd, writing open source software.