Every one knows that the learned societies of Europe are mere schools of falsehood, and there are assuredly more mistaken notions in the Academy of sciences than in a whole tribe of American Indians. (..) A savage will not turn his head to watch the working of the finest machinery or all the wonders of electricity. (..) Everything matters to us, as we are dependent on everything, and our curiosity naturally increases with our needs. This is why I attribute much curiosity to the man of science and none to the savage. The latter needs no help from anybody the former requires every one, and admirers most of all.
Jean Jacques Rousseau – Emile, Book III, 1762
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