"Punished by Rewards" is a book by Alfie Kohn that critiques the use of rewards and punishments in education and parenting. Kohn argues that these methods can undermine intrinsic motivation, leading individuals to focus on external incentives rather than genuine interest or enjoyment in their activities. The book emphasizes that rewards can create a dependency, making people less likely to engage in tasks for their own sake. Kohn advocates for fostering a learning environment that encourages curiosity and creativity, rather than one driven by external rewards, to promote deeper understanding and lasting motivation.