You could add the writer who transformed my youth to that list. Robert Heinlein made no bones about the fact that he wrote to make money. He published prodigiously and became wealthy.

But along the way, he created a body of work that resonates even today, with people who feel alienated and restricted by society. Long dead, he’s still thrilling and entertaining countless readers, while showing them how to think for themselves and stand up for who they are.

Not bad for a guy who said he was just in it for a quick buck. ;-)