I wonder if there was a period of time where people who were inclined to do that were able to dedicate themselves to exploration instead of working to pay for healthcare.

I know that's a gross oversimplification, and that quality of life is better now, but when it came to academic pursuits was it more feasible in the past?

Or am I just subconsciously reacting to constant negative economic news and wondering if the grass was greener on the other side of the timeline?