
An end in itself
Personal Satisfaction
Use the phrase to express doing something for personal joy, not external rewards.

She studies art as an end in itself, not for a career.
Misinterpretation Alert
Be careful not to confuse 'an end in itself' with being selfish; it refers to personal fulfillment.

Volunteering is an end in itself, enriching my life deeply.
Subtle Motivations
The phrase can suggest deeper, perhaps philosophical motivations for actions.

For him, exploring nature is an end in itself.
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