Question

Что заставляло людей пускаться в отдаленные плавания в неизведанные Земли?

Answer 1

К сожалению, на данный вопрос сложно ответь вкратце, однако можно назвать 3 основные причины, которые вынуждали отправляться в путешествия:
Как правило, это была банальная жажда наживы. (Ведь многие европейцы, услышав о "золотых городах" держав Центральной Америки, решили тоже поспешить поделить "огнем, мечом, порохом и Словом Божьим" колоссальные богатства древних цивилизаций.)
Кого-то заставляла финансовая сторона вопроса ( К примеру, знаменитый конкистадор Васко Нуньес де Бальбоа - путешественник, который первым вышел к берегам Тихого океана -  вообще таким образом убежал от кредиторов.)
Кого-то, действительно, манила та неизвестность, своеобразная "романтика" и желание прославиться своими открытиями или исследованиями природы/народов неизведанных территорий.
Как-то так.

Answer 2

The Motivations for Exploring Unknown Lands

The motivations for people embarking on distant voyages to unexplored lands have varied throughout history. Several factors have influenced individuals and groups to undertake these journeys. Let's explore some of the main reasons:

1. Curiosity and the Desire for Knowledge: Humans have an innate curiosity to explore and discover new things. The thirst for knowledge and the desire to understand the world around us have driven many explorers to venture into unknown territories. They sought to expand their understanding of geography, cultures, and natural phenomena.

2. Trade and Economic Opportunities: Throughout history, trade has been a significant driver of exploration. Explorers sought new trade routes, resources, and markets. The discovery of new lands and the establishment of trade networks allowed for the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies, leading to economic growth and prosperity.

3. Fame, Glory, and Personal Ambition: Many explorers were motivated by the desire for personal fame, glory, and recognition. They sought to make a name for themselves and leave a lasting legacy. Explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and James Cook aimed to achieve personal achievements and gain recognition for their discoveries.

4. Scientific and Technological Advancement: Explorers often embarked on voyages to conduct scientific research and gather knowledge about the natural world. They aimed to study flora, fauna, geology, and other aspects of the environment. These scientific expeditions contributed to advancements in various fields, such as botany, zoology, astronomy, and cartography.

5. Political and Imperialistic Motives: Exploration and colonization were often driven by political and imperialistic motives. Nations sought to expand their territories, establish colonies, and exert influence over new lands. This was particularly prevalent during the Age of Exploration when European powers competed for dominance and resources.

6. Religious and Missionary Zeal: Religious motivations played a significant role in exploration. Missionaries sought to spread their faith and convert indigenous populations to their respective religions. Explorers like Vasco da Gama and Hernán Cortés were driven by religious zeal and the desire to spread Christianity.

7. Adventure and the Spirit of Discovery: For some explorers, the allure of adventure and the thrill of discovery were the primary motivations. They were driven by a sense of adventure, the challenge of the unknown, and the excitement of exploring new frontiers. These individuals were often motivated by a spirit of exploration and a desire to push the boundaries of human achievement.

It is important to note that these motivations were not mutually exclusive, and often multiple factors influenced explorers to undertake their journeys. The specific motivations varied depending on the time period, cultural context, and individual circumstances.