Full Idea
What is worth having or worth doing for its own sake alone may nonetheless be worth very little.
Gist of Idea
What is worthwhile for its own sake alone may be worth very little
Source
Harry G. Frankfurt (The Reasons of Love [2005], 1.5)
Book Reference
Frankfurt,Harry G.: 'The Reasons of Love' [Princeton 2006], p.13
A Reaction
That is one of my cherished notions sunk without trace! Aristotle's idea that ends are what matter, not means, always struck me as crucial. But Frankfurt is right. Collecting trivia is done for its own sake. Great tasks are performed as a means.