Thinking Beyond Science

Before delving into the big questions—why humans explore, what they gain, and the risks involved—it is essential to ask a simpler one: do we actually explore? The image of humans as natural explorers seems obvious; after all, humankind has crossed uncharted oceans and settled the globe. But such achievements don’t inherently prove an irresistible internal drive for exploration. Other animals, like young wolves, also travel far into unknown territories without the complex motivations humans possess. This calls into question whether exploration stems from an innate longing or simpler instincts like curiosity about nearby land features.

Mixed Motivations Behind Exploration
Historical and psychological views suggest that the urge to explore is rarely pure. Christopher Columbus, for example, crossed the Atlantic not only out of a desire for discovery but also motivated by religious conversion and promises of political power. Psychologist Daniel Berlyne posited in 1960 that exploration stems from a mix of internal predispositions, biological needs, and reward pursuit, coupled with the playful nature of humans. This composite of reasons recurs throughout history—from polar explorers seeking fame to Neil Armstrong aiming to surpass Soviet space achievements. The legendary mountaineer George Mallory famously summed up exploratory spirit with patriotic pride and the simple saying: “Because it’s there!” .

The Debate on Exploration as an Innate Human Trait
Even now, the question of whether humans are wired to explore remains debated, especially in discussions about space travel. Carl Sagan famously argued exploration is in human nature, portraying humanity as eternal wanderers ready to sail the “cosmic ocean.” Yet philosophers like J. S. Johnson-Schwartz caution against assuming this drive without solid evidence, especially when relating to the enormous resources and risks of space colonization. The assumption of innate exploratory drive requires more rigorous support than mere cultural narratives .

Human Migration and Behavioral Modernity
Anatomically modern humans, who gave rise to present-day populations, began leaving Africa and the Near East around fifty thousand years ago. However, they weren’t the first humans to venture out; earlier species like Homo erectus, Neanderthals, and Denisovans had migrated into Asia and Europe long before. Behaviorally modern humans—those who engage in symbolic thinking, create art, and undertake purposeful long-distance expeditions—emerged more distinctly around fifty thousand years ago. This “behavioral modernity” marks a significant inflection point when the archaeological record shifts from sparse signs to abundant evidence of sophisticated behavior, coinciding with widespread human colonization of the globe .

The “Replacement Crowd” and Global Spread
Svante Pääbo, whose work on ancient DNA earned him a Nobel Prize, describes this wave of behaviorally modern humans as the “replacement crowd.” Their migration coincided with the decline of earlier human groups, with only some interbreeding between populations. Unlike predecessors, they expanded beyond Eurasia’s borders, crossing geographical boundaries such as the Wallace Line and reaching as far as New Zealand and South America within fifty thousand years. This rapid and extensive spread is unique among mammals and earlier humans, showing a relentless drive to push into new territories despite available resources where they originated .

The Unique Human Thirst for Exploration
Pääbo highlights the distinctiveness of the human exploratory impulse, attributing it to a kind of “madness.” Unlike other animals that tend to stay within familiar territories unless forced, humans seem compelled to jump borders and navigate uncharted regions. This unpredictable push forward is seen historically—from ancient migrations to current ambitions of reaching Mars. The courage to set out without knowing what lies beyond echoes through human history, reinforcing the idea that exploration is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon that intertwines biology, culture, and psychology .

This reflection on our urge to explore illustrates that while exploration is partially driven by innate tendencies, it is deeply shaped by a blend of motives—biological, social, political, and playful. It remains an open question how much of this behavior is hardwired versus culturally cultivated, especially as humanity stands at the threshold of interplanetary exploration. The story of human expansion, both ancient and modern, reveals a powerful curiosity and a restless spirit defining our species.

Source : The Explorer’s Gene: Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors, and the Blank Spots on the Map by Alex Hutchinson

Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215583308-the-explorer-s-gene