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Scientists in the European tradition came from absurdly privileged backgrounds. Not until the US government started supporting basic science did science become more socioeconomically diverse. Europe seemed to be (slightly) more gender diverse, but it was still all white. /1
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Vacations are so important for creative work. So many insights and breakthroughs happened while these privileged white guys escaped to their family estates or an island or while skiing in the Alps. /2
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The “two cultures” had not yet split. These guys read novels, were inspired by philosophy, and even wrote poetry. /4