Motives for Exploring

After the darkness of the Middle Ages came a time of exploration, the period in which I live in now. Many explorers were being tempted into new, mysterious, far-off lands by promises of treasures, religious satisfaction, and the idea of new majestic lands. The idea that there are lands outside Europe attracts many curious and adventurous explorers as they seek to gain more knowledge of other cultures and peoples. One can learn much from the indigenous as I did in my time in Canada. Another motive is based on economy. Trade is a large factor in economic motives as many European countries are searching for trade passages to the spice islands. Also, religious plays a large part in the enticement of explorers. Both conquistadors and explorers wish to play the role of missionary to the natives.

             I myself was brought to Canada for economic motives. Francis I was so kind as to commission my journey to the New World. However, he too wanted me to discover a trade passage to the markets of Asia and to find precious treasures in the New World. However, I was unsuccessful in my attempt although I found treasure metaphorically as the lands were fertile and rich. My regret is that I was unable to form a settlement in Canada and I only hope that someone else will succeed in that attempt. Another regret stems from my journey to Canada as the phrase "faux comme les diamants du Canada” which means as false as Canadian diamonds has resulted from my exploration. My crew and I had discovered some minerals which we had thought to be precious gems, only turning out to be quartz crystals and iron pyrites.

Jacques Cartier

Source: Spielvogel