Some of it does of course. I go to school for the payoff of a job in the future. Then I will work a job so I get the benefit of cash, which I can use to get things I want. In that sense, our lives are spent doing things for the sake of something else. We don't really have to like the process as long as we like the end result.
That sort of means that things don't have their own value, just a derived value. Money is only valuable because it gets you things. Work can be seen the same way since one primarily does it for money. But can all activities be classified this way? The answer is yes they can be, but they really shouldn't be.
In my life I have many examples of this, but I guess the best is Japanese. If we must give a reason for everything we do I can say "it can get me a good job," "knowing another language is helpful," "I use a different part of my brain that helps my thinking skills," etc. The thing is, none of those are wrong. I could say these statements and believe them because they are all true and no one can refute it. But in the end, it is all just rationalization. I am not learning Japanese for a job or to boost my brain, I'm just doing it.
The worth of an activity shouldn't just be valued on the end benefit. Sometimes we just need to dedicate ourselves to the deed and not to the outcome. I guess that is what we consider playing (adults can play too!) Growing up can be cruel as it makes us forget this natural idea as we get bogged by responsibilities and work. For the few that can find something the truly enjoy and get payed for it, I'm impressed. For the rest, it is the times we play in life that we want to talk about, want to express to others, and what ultimately keeps us sane.
Oh and Happy Birthday Fawzia!
Oh and Happy Birthday Fawzia!