[V__]

There is a reason why a lot of science in the past happened to be done by clergymen or pastors. They had a lot of time on their hand and a secure income. I am certain science, art and the community in general would profit immensely if the modern workload would be reduced.

I think covid was a good example of this. So many people took up a new hobby or tried something new.

[khy]

I get the sense that a lot of science in the 19th century was done by the idle rich.

[teachrdan]

Charles Darwin was independently wealthy and largely funded his own research into evolution.