In Jurassic Park the Doctor said something similar,
…there were astronomers and astronauts
The astronomers wanted to stay and study and the astronauts wanted to go out and see
Philip Pullman said something similar, there are those that want the world to know the truth and’s people to be free and those who wanted to hide the truth and enslave others
Pre-reading reaction: I think some aliens have survived the social and technological crises we face. If they weren't curious, they would exterminate us to be safe. But they also have to monitor life-bearing planets to make sure no one releases any paper-clip monsters. (But the AIs converge, too.)