Finding applications is also a form of curiosity. And we can argue that money is also the key factor in almost every notable advance. In order to do research,

Finding applications is also a form of curiosity. And we can argue that money is also the key factor in almost every notable advance. In order to do research, you need equipment, access to knowledge, and time. The first is the most obvious, equipment is not free. Access to knowledge is much easier than it once was, but still, the best way to access knowledge is to be with knowledgeable people, like in a university, and universities are not cheap, and even if they are, the location where they are usually isn't. The last, time, is the hardest to get by. If you are working your ass off just to survive, then no time for you. You need a job that is low effort so that you don't get exhausted, that pays reasonably well so you can live comfortably, and leaves you enough time for your research. Few can enjoy that. You can also make research your job, but if that's your job, then you need to think of quarterly profits. Another option is to get supported by someone else, but it doesn't change the fact that someone is making money to support your research.