Maybe we should bring back the concept of the gentleman(gentleperson for the modern era) scientist, who are both independent and wealthy.
Charles Darwin, for example, was born into wealth and doesn't really need to work for a living.
Charles Darwin, for example, was born into wealth and doesn't really need to work for a living.
This is still true, although to a lesser degree, because everyone is much better off. 500 years ago, you could only pursue some things if you were born rich. Today, the field has greatly expanded, to everyone's benefit.
Even ones that are not all that prosperous per capita achieve things like moon landings.
You can have the monarchy without being a colony - several former colonies do.
Basic science funding seems sparse though. Investments tend to favor commercial entities.
1. Government funded research
2. Private industrial research
3. Private personal research
Usually, those involved in #3 are made fun of constantly by the lumpenproles. Before someone in category #3 makes it they look like Bryan Johnson doing Blueprint. That's the defining characteristic, actually. If you were to look at Ms. Kariko before she was successful, the majority of HN users would have made fun of her.