End of the Middle, beginning of the end?

Am a rookie, doing quite a bit of study and play. On its most basic level, chess is divided into opening, middle game and end game. But, this leads to a question, and I hope it makes sense to those with more experience than myself.

Is it wiser to see the middlegame simply as a time to take as many pieces as possible from the opponent, therefore leading to fewer obstacles during the endgame? Or, should one just see the middlegame AS the endgame, and become single pointedly focused on check mate, rather than worrying about acquiring pieces?

I hope that makes sense. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

The point in the middlegame is to gain an advantage that will give you a winning endgame. Yes, material is one possible winning advantage.