There's value in understanding what skills a person can bring to the table, and in being able to use those skills when the time calls for it.

[ He's not so naive as to think everyone in the world, himself included, waltzes through life without at least subconsciously taking note of such things. ]

I just think that it's impossible to form meaningful relationship if that's all the other person is ever viewed as, a tool or a means to an end. But I realize that most people think that a foolish way of seeing things.