> renaissance of re-exploring the natural world<p>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.<p>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?<p>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?
If you don’t know the canopy raft, prepare to enjoy:<p><a href="https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/francis-halle-and-canopy-raft" rel="nofollow">https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/francis-halle-and...</a><p>Francis Halle dedicated his whole life to forest, I recommend any of his book if you find one in your language.<p>More pictures as videos here <a href="https://rainforestslefilm.wordpress.com/forests-canopy-raft/" rel="nofollow">https://rainforestslefilm.wordpress.com/forests-canopy-raft/</a>
The majority of early explorers and researchers sought philanthropist to support their desire to explore. They sold the dream to pay for their plan. The frontiers are more specialized now. Getting funding to "explore Africa" would be a hard sell.
Yes. Read up on "gentleman scholars" from before the 20th century. An astonishing amount of all our foundational knowledge about the universe comes from wealthy dudes (or with wealthy patrons) exploring science for the sheer hell of it.<p>And when I say astonishing, I mean it. Almost all the foundations of every field were built this way.
A good chunk of early science was basically funded by nobility sponsoring scientists as sort of… conversation pieces, basically, right? I’m not sure if that gig is still available.