You are confusing that. The biggest advancements in science are the result of the application of leading-edge pure math concepts to physical problems. Netwonian physics, relativistic physics, quantum field theory, Boolean computing, Turing notions of devices for computability, elliptic-curve cryptography, and electromagnetic theory all derived from the practical application of what was originally abstract math play.
Among others.
Of course you never know which math concept will turn out to be physically useful, but clearly enough do that it's worth buying conceptual lottery tickets with the rest.
You are confusing that. The biggest advancements in science are the result of the application of leading-edge pure math concepts to physical problems. Netwonian physics, relativistic physics, quantum field theory, Boolean computing, Turing notions of devices for computability, elliptic-curve cryptography, and electromagnetic theory all derived from the practical application of what was originally abstract math play.
Among others.
Of course you never know which math concept will turn out to be physically useful, but clearly enough do that it's worth buying conceptual lottery tickets with the rest.