Jewish tradition does not permit the Hanukkah candles to be used for any productive purpose. They cannot, for example, be used for reading or illumination. They are simply to be enjoyed.

Is this an example of legalism gone amuck? No. It is lesson about people. It is a lesson about perspective.

The Hanukkah lights are meant to be enjoyed and treasured for what they are, not what they can do for us. The same is true of people. They  are not means to an end. A friend is not a friend because they can do something for us. Every human being, created the image of God, is filled with inherent dignity we honor and treasure. 

Just as we look at the Hanukkah lights for what they are in themselves, not what they can do for us, so we look at people as who they are, not what they can do for us.