If "ultimate truth" cannot be attained, but can be asymptotically approached, is striving for it still a lost cause if the knowledge gained in the approach migh

If "ultimate truth" cannot be attained, but can be asymptotically approached, is striving for it still a lost cause if the knowledge gained in the approach might be useful? I'll never be able to run a marathon as fast as Eliud Kipchoge. That doesn't mean it's a lost cause for me to try to get my marathon time as close to his as possible - I can still achieve valuable things despite the goal being lofty and unattainable. Further, I might achieve more through chasing an unattainable goal, than I would if I'd set my sights lower. It's also worth remembering the aphorism that people saying: “It can’t be done,” are always being interrupted by somebody doing it.