Syag > learning is reading instructions is a gross understatement.
Here I found R Twersky using a similar analogy of Torah as literal manual to the world (quoting from a secondary source):
Think of the user’s manual that comes with a new car. It contains the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper care and maintenance of the machine. If one follows these instructions meticulously, the car will perform well, but on the other hand, if they are ignored there will certainly be problems down the line. Failure to change the motor oil regularly will eventually result in the engine malfunctioning and ultimately failing. This is not a punishment for not following directions, but the consequence of not providing proper care.