Feels like the anonymous torrent seeder who keeps seeding a file for years just for the sake of keeping it alive. It's not easy, but some people seem to be able to derive full pleasure from accomplishing the task itself, whether recognition happens or not.
One group I remember in particular are mathematicians working for the NSA, etc., who are not permitted to publish their research, then they watch as other mathematicians rediscover their work and get the credit.
That some specific instance of a discovery or whatever becomes the mainstream version is, well, it's irrelevant. Who discovered calculus? It doesn't actually matter because calculus works without some belief system and worship. Traffic routing algorithms? yes, if the person is alive and kicking, being able to lay claim to some algorithm or novel solution is a CV bullet point, but, and i say this with the utmost respect: most people are one hit wonders. If they can ride that "fame" to higher pay or respect, cool. But in the grand scheme, it's irrelevant. Ideas should be spread far and wide, so that people who have a greater understanding can explain the ideas to those without an understanding.
Capitalism is the problem.
* Fellow NSA employees, your coworkers and boss
* Cash money, my personal favourite form of recognition
* Your close friends and trusted loved ones will know the broad outlines of what you're doing.
It doesn't make you world-famous but it wouldn't be as lonely as a job that needed total secrecy.
I hand-ripped and released the netflix wii disc once upon a time, and my seed ratio on that was astronomically high.
There are plenty of alternatives out there though.
Here's a link: https://bit.ly/3cs4v5E