It's not my understanding that most inventors are recognized and/or wealthy. I feel like the cultural references we know are the exceptions that prove the rule

It's not my understanding that most inventors are recognized and/or wealthy. I feel like the cultural references we know are the exceptions that prove the rule. Edison, for example, is credited with inventing the light bulb. He was definitely wealthy, but there were a number of other inventors who contributed but have little to no recognition and did not become wealthy.