Does profit have to be the main motivation of a successful business owner? Why? ?

Personal growth, making a genuine difference to peoples lives - hiring those with severe low self esteem, mental health issues and trust issues but giving them 'a life line' and a vote of confidence and helping them to make something of themselves while giving them the 'opportunity' to grow into strong minded, responsible mature individuals who, if they handle this big chance right, can become stakeholders of the business in years to come,   being able to go through the good and bad times with everyone and keep a non toxic and supportvie atmosphere and culture whilst reaping the rewards of your hard work - THAT is the best motivation for any business owner.

profits are profits.

money comes and goes.

experiences shared through good and bad make all stronger.

eventually money just falls on you like water falls from a waterfall - thats the level you want to reach,  reach that - and all problems in life will be solved.

so start working harder for me, longer hours, make me more money and eventually we can all have a good time ^_^

Yes. Profit should be the main motivator unless its a non-profit business,

But the business owner gets to define what profit is.

For some its money but for others its helping others profit. Like some investment advisors, doctors, etc.

They do it for the freedom they get in their own business.

What does anyone go into business FOR?  To make others happy or to make a living? If you make a living, you're being successful at your business. If you live only to make others happy, then you may or may not be successful in LIFE, but you aren't going to make a living unless you make a profit as well. 

That's how "business" is defined.  Otherwise it's a hobby

Because if you lose money every day you will not ne able to pay yourself or your employees and eventually you will have nothing to do business with except your mouth. 

There are lots of businesses that are passion projects. As long as the business owner can support themselves through other means there's nothing wrong with operating a business that doesn't make a profit.

However, there are tax laws that are based on "profit motive" in the Internal Revenue Code. For example, if there is not a profit motive, a business is considered a "hobby" for tax purposes. Being a hobby limits the expenses that can be written off against revenue.

Success is in the eye of the beholder.

When there is a profit motive, the amount of profit is the scorecard that determines the success of the business.

Why would you bother being in a business if the point of working is not to make money?

Profit serves as seed money for future business expenses.  If you make enough after expenses to pay personal bills too, that's better.  If you make what can cover all your personal expenses, that's ideal.  If you make enough to break even on the year's business expenses, you've reached the ideal minimum, which is better than operating at a loss for that year. 

Because without making a profit, there's no reason to be in business.