Each of us has to decide what it is that provides us with a purpose driven life. Here is a Botanist who has chosen to embrace,adore and analyze a particular species of lily. He has given it value and committed himself to saving it from extinction. His efforts have evolved from finding an interesting pass time into becoming a way of life.
Decades ago,a French scientist named Jacque Cousteau did something similar while introducing the public to the many inhabitants of Neptune’s watery domain.
“obsess” is a verb, too.
Exactly - I think he is to be admired for having this strong purpose and having made a difference in this life.