I in general agree with his point.
Many people have this min-maxing attitude which is very useful for society when correctly directed.
But often we just use it for tasks which aren't truly productive.
Usefulness to society is only meaningful if a society is going somewhere. Modern societies don't have any collective goals, they are just drifting agglomerations of individuals, most of them intent on their own enrichment or pleasure. So there is nothing for talented individuals to contribute to, and they may as well channel their energies into following their own curiosity.
Many people also have the attitude that the meaning of life is to be productive. But often they miss life's point entirely.