I'm not quite sure exactly what originally inspired me to pick up C++, PHP, and Python books as a kid but I suspect it was just the desire to learn how the computer worked and how to control it.
I spent a lot of time on the computer as a kid; most kids watched TV it seemed, but the computer was "my TV" so-to-speak.
However, I can tell you now that I'm doing this professionally, 2 main things keep me inspired:
1.) The desire to help protect/secure people's data and activities
2.) Very good programmers and folks who contribute a lot to our community such as Uncle Bob Martin and Casey Muratori from Handmade Hero
Most of the time I am happily chugging along, but at times when things seem stale or grim, watching a video or two by folks like those guys is refreshing and re-inspires me that not all software has to suck, there are indeed some developers who actually care about quality and have standards, and we're all in this together.
It's also refreshing to me when developers have a strong voice. One thing that the two aforementioned programmers have in common is that they have very strong beliefs and they stick to them - even if that means having to piss some people off. There is obviously a lot of technical focus in software - and rightly so - but it's nice to take a step back and listen to a well-rounded human being at times as well who is part of the community. In fact, I would say that as I get older and get more experience, those things are more and more important to me aside from just the technical prowess.
Put more simply - I work in security - and unfortunately the quiet genius in the corner who discovered the latest greatest attack on a system does no good if he/she cannot communicate the importance to the business to effect change that helps customers remain safe. Other skills and passions are required.