Comment by hresvelgr

I'm not entirely sure this is fair. My belief is that mathematics exists in the intersection between art and science. I don't believe in progress for its own sake, so I'm inclined to say those interested should undertake it for the art, or to "play with puzzles." The rent-seeking argument and "weren't in it for the right reasons" is the same argument as calling musicians sellouts when they start making money. Making money doesn't make you a sellout, but it can.