The universe is a dangerous place. Despite millenia of superstition, science has proven to be the most reliable way to protect ourselves (at least as a species) from the vagaries of nature. We have advanced from making sure we know where our next meal is coming from to being able to predict the consequences of our own massive environmental changes. However, the development of science is not predictable: Marie Curie couldn't tell that radioactivity would help rescue the world from fascism, but she investigated anyway. Understanding our surroundings, in as much detail as possible, helps our survival. It's why curiosity has survived as a human characteristic. Knowing is better than not knowing.