I didn't get the sense he is in it for the money in and of itself. He's talking about money in the sense of survival. You have to eat, and food isn't free. When

I didn't get the sense he is in it for the money in and of itself. He's talking about money in the sense of survival. You have to eat, and food isn't free. When you have to succeed just to survive, your options become clear and you have no choice but to act. It can't help but be motivating.