I play in a fantasy RPG. It reminds me of a quote from a book by Terry Prachett called "Going Postal" (not exact since I have the audio book)

" 'Ah, you can learn all of an enemy's strengths and weaknesses on that board.' 'Really? I thought you were supposed to be learning your own.' "

Even playing a different person in a fantasy world, I still learn a lot about how I reach to situations and deal with other people. I think roleplaying is a valuable tool. Time machines, magic sticks and dragons, those are just props. They aren't important. What's important is what goes on in the player's heads.