Quote Originally Posted by Grinner View Post
Inventing things could be seen as a way of bettering others or merely getting rich. Besides, it is true that leaving a legacy makes a much greater impact over time. On the other hand, it can be argued that mankind's inventions will be as ephemeral as mankind itself.
it doesn't matter what it could be seen as. Motives are not relevant. "Bettering others" is still a localized impact; something meaningful is bettering society. Not people, but peoples.

As for lasting effects, that's not terribly important - not having anyone to behold the monuments of man does not somehow negate their value. Are the Pyramids worthless because no Pharaohs remain to gaze upon them?