Many of us spend our lives thinking of science and philosophy. Looking for answers to the meaning of life the universe and our place in it. And then eventually we die. Have we not accomplished anything? Does our knowledge somehow live on beyond death? What is the point of seeking knowledge?
I don't think there's any disagreement to be had. My wording was poorly chosen. I meant reasonable not like as an ought, but as a realistic description of the animating factor in people's lives - caring about the future of humans they immediately know about.
I'm also a huge fan of Nemo Ramjet's writing.