It enables action. Knowledge is not pointless but it is not the end goal. An education is not pointless but it is meant to lead to some action afterwards like designing a house after studying architecture. That action might even be creating more knowledge (both by researching and teaching), if you are thinking about a career in academia.

I'm actually not sure whether I fully agree, I think that knowledge can also be a goal in and of itself sometimes.

I think the sentiment is not to avoid learning or reading, but to have a purpose.

If you are miserable reading academic research papers in your basement everyday for no reason, I would recommend you reconsider.

If you are reading them because you want to cure cancer or get a job, then that's really a different scenario.