"Investments that don't pay dividends are essentially pyramid schemes"

No. 'Dividends' do not matter.

The cash going into the companies bank account belongs to the shareholders, and it's reflect in the stock price.

When a company gives out $1 in dividends, it's valuation goes down by $1.

Technically, dividends don't matter.

In reality it's a little different, and dividends mean certain things, mostly about the companies ability to generate returns with that cash than you, the investor.

And FYI - there can be 'unlimited growth' - as long as there is innovation, and 'stuff keeps getting better' - we will see growth.