Can we learn something without the purpose of applying it in society?

Think about it. And I'm not talking about learning it for fun. Many a times I learn new stuff eg. Programming languages only to enhance the stuff I do eg. Write blogs, create websites, and they do not pay. They do not contribute to society. No one knows this exists except a few. So does this make it feel like I'm wasting time doing what I like that doesn't pay off? I don't think so. It's still something to be proud of learning anyways.