[smath]

Slightly tangential: this is a wonderful and deep project, that requires a lot of personal time. Lately I've been wondering what social/economic/govt conditions allow for this type of deep thinking + tinkering among working people (not academia). My very rough guess is the US of 1950-60s did, and some other countries today do, but not so much the US of today because the cost of living and time pressures are higher. I'd be curious if anyone has a more detailed answer (or a rebuttal of my thesis altogether).

[YZF]

1650-1750 Britain?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Harrison

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton

And I'm sure lots more?

Or maybe more generally Europe circa 18th century?

Probably a lot more creativity/discovery/"personal projects" vs. the US 50s or 60's would be my guess? So we need prosperity and a monarchy?

[smath]

A benevolent monarchy maybe - like some places in the east (maybe).or maybe UBI? Some way to not have to worry about basic health and needs

What places have this today? I see an answer suggesting AUS below. ChatGPT says Switzerland

[selimthegrim]

Seems like from anecdotal reports on HN Western Australia might be a place where these conditions still obtain.