Russell L. Ackoff Quote

Man seeks objectives that enable him to convert the attainment of every goal into a means for the attainment of a new and more desirable goal. The ultimate objective in such a sequence cannot be obtainable; otherwise its attainment would put an end to the process. An end that satisfies these conditions is an ideal...
Thus the formulation and pursuit of ideals is a means by which to put meaning and significance into his life and into the history of which he is part.

p. 237, as cited in: William E. Smith (2008) The Creative Power. p. 58. - On purposeful systems., 1972