"I like being useful," he corrected sharply, though really Howard was right. He did like being the best, but not for the ego boost - even when he was the best his peers rarely recognized him as such, save Lestrade - but for the justification.

Knowing he was right was infinitely more important than other people knowing he was right.

(Though he strove for that as well. Obviously.)

"This--" He waved around the cave, the wall, the slowly flayed creature, "Isn't useful. This is pointless."