The point of EvE is to be a sandbox game. The point is whatever you decide it is. There is high end PvE content, but it is not the goal of most. Some people do aspire to be trade barons. Some people want to be significant suppliers of the largest ships in the game. Some want to rule the universe. Some want to make everyone else miserable. Some are simply after fame, however they can get it. Some are out to do the next big con (see the recent "causality" trailer). To be a successful sandbox game, the actions of the player must hold meaning; when killing someone else has meaning, PvP changes.

As far as all the buttons go, the tutorial missions cover all the important buttons, and help screens cover the less important ones. Past that, your corp mates will be happy to assist you; they've all been in the same place as you, and most are willing to invest in new recruits as it eventually furthers their personal goals.