There is no doubt that some are spies out of conviction. In the beginning, however, many have no idea of what they are getting involved in. Naivite and financial difficulties often lead to dreams which end with a rude awakening. This is why the authorities always recommend to be cautious, even suspicious, especially if dealing with confidential or secret matters is part of your daily routine. Remember that espionage activities are still being conducted after the end of the Cold War.
Intelligence agencies are patient and can wait.
But there are also people who voluntarily offer their services to foreign intelligence agencies. Known as voluntary contributors, they mostly act out of greed, ideological blindness and sometimes also out of frustration with their job. The often careless attitude in our open society towards sensitive information is also made use of by foreign intelligence agencies with a view to collecting specific information casually shared in conversations. In such cases people who are unaware that the person they are talking to is a member of a foreign intelligence agency are asked to give their opinion on certain matters. If such contacts prove to be promising, invitations to events, receptions and meals will follow.