[MaxBarraclough]

> often just doing science for its own sake

Or trying to advance their careers, which isn't the same thing, as it's self-interest without regard for whether science is being meaningfully advanced.

[nicoburns]

I mean sure, but people don't generally go into a career in science unless they're genuinely interested in it.

[bonoboTP]

You'd be surprised. Some really enjoy the status game and the power dynamics.

[MaxBarraclough]

I've read horror stories about toxic careerism in science where real scientific progress is only ever a by-product.