>>14303978There are multiple reasons, each human has his own motives, but the general idea would be that life is a pretty short stay yet math/physics/science is something fundamental, something timeless. It is also something unique to us humans, we are possibly the only beings that are able to formalize thought in such a precise and deep manner which enables us to chisel the world around us, move mountains with levers, explore the unexplored, starting from the depths of the ocean up to taking steps on different planets. I would argue that it is innate to us humans to become something greater, to constantly ask why and to try understanding the world and it's nature around us. Sure, there are gains made from learning, just think how far this technology advanced over the years, which you despise so much but are right now using. I agree that pleasure and joy are also something a healthy mind would strive towards but I would argue that those are not opposed to the fulfillment and satisfaction of advancing in knowledge.
