The phrase ‘in and of itself’ is used to indicate that something is being considered without any additional context or outside factors. It means that the subject is being evaluated based on its own intrinsic qualities or characteristics.
For example, if someone says, ‘The painting is beautiful in and of itself,’ they are suggesting that the painting has inherent beauty, regardless of the artist’s reputation or the setting in which it’s displayed.
This expression often implies that the subject does not need external justification or assistance to be valued or understood. When you focus on something ‘in and of itself,’ you’re looking at it purely for what it is, rather than how it relates to other things or circumstances.