> And of course it is historically backwards; groups arose as people tried to solve problems they were independently interested in.

Reminds me of the joke that philosophy students university learn the work of people who didn't go to university.

Would a text written by the discoverer of a field be more interesting?

I've found important papers easier to read than textbooks covering them... OTOH the original paper can be too close to their own motivation, and not treat - or yet be aware - of its general significance.

A motivating problem doesn't have to be practical or relatable... it just must lack obvious solution. A puzzle.