[ianhxu]

This is a wonderful ideal. Like some ancient scientists and philosophers, they don't have many worries about money and can pursue pure passion. This also seems like a key source of social progress -- diverse purposes and paths of exploration.

[jonathanstrange]

I'm always interested in how they pay their bills. Unless I know how they make a living, the advice is worthless. Of course, you can give away things for free if you're a rich aristocrat in a society of slave holders, like many ancient philosophers were.

[ianhxu]

"A rich aristocrat in a society of slave holders" is certainly one type, but there are many other types that still meet mainstream standards today, such as heirs to fortunes, tenured university professors, etc.