There are many answers to the question and the next question which it evokes i.e. why study Talmud?, but I have not seen any better than the one offered by Professor Jacob Neusner, one of the most important talmudists of the past half century.
Interviewed by the Jerusalem Post, Professor Neunser had this to say: “the Sages represent a resource of thought and expression that provides a model of the social order and how society can deal with conflict and instability….We study the classics of any civilization to find viable examples of what we can be ourselves, of our own potential. The age that confronted the Holocaust should understand the Sages’ discussion of the destruction of the Temple, of rebuilding a social order.”
Why do you study the texts which are sacred to you?
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Author, radio and TV talk show host, and President of CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, Brad Hirschfield is the author of 
posted March 5, 2010 at 12:15 am
Talmud gives me pride and comfort in being a Jew. In a strange and ironic way, seeing that there are so many disagreements and arguments among the wisest of my people makes me feel comfortable also questioning and having disagreements. The ability to express one’s strong opinions and emotions in the religion of Judaism – and indeed, the fact that such a thing is a traditional cornerstone of the faith – gives me hope and encouragement.
posted March 5, 2010 at 9:19 am
the Jerusalem POST link does not seem to work- you go to the JP homepage but a search for “Neusner” yields no article/interview.