While his researches may have a significant human value, and although he is willing to discuss them in those terms, Lorenz strongly resents having to justify them. Like the true observer that he is, he does his watching, and reports the scientific conclusions that come out of it for their own sake. “To assess basic research by its application value would be awful,” he said not long ago.  “It would be like assessing the value of the works of Mozart by the sum they bring in each year to the Salzburg festival.” (Editor’s Preface King Solomon’s Ring, Konrad Lorenz)