I couldn't disagree more.
Curiosity and Creativity are the two most outstanding qualities of human beings, and neither can flourish without the other.
Why should painters paint? Musicians compose and play? They shouldn't, following your logic. They do so because they can, and the rest of us are left to enjoy the fact that they do.
I think it is of *vital* importance that we explore and research for its own sake, and not only with specific purposes in mind. Fundamental research is the most important research we do, and for it to carry any meaning, it MUST be free of expectations and purpose. Whatever comes out of it can only be seen as a bonus, not taken for granted. Those bonuses will pay off, as they always have.