This is a great question to philosophize over. All the reading that we do (especially as tech people) does seem slightly gratuitous. I find that I will most likely retain/remember only a small percentage of what I consume.

Recently I have started writing. Much to my surprise I really love writing. It helps me decompress and organize my thoughts. Since I have started writing I have a much greater appreciation for great writing and notice how great journalist construct their arguments/information.

So digesting does not have merit. It is merely an means to an end. Triangulating and reconstructing knowledge is where the benefits and real learning take place.