Rethinking Discovery: What Are We Really Discovering?
Exploring the Boundaries of Discovery and Exploration
Photo by Noble Mitchell on UnsplashExploration to me is an extension of discovery—it's about diving deeper and uncovering more once a discovery has been made. Ultimately, the two are inseparable. Even when no entirely new discovery occurs, exploration still leads to fresh insights, deeper understanding, and new findings that contribute to the broader narrative of knowledge. Exploration is not just about uncovering the unknown, but about continually peeling back layers of understanding, even within what might seem like familiar territory. Once a discovery is made, the next step is exploration—venturing further into what has been uncovered to reveal more insight. It’s through exploration that we truly grasp the depth and implications of any discovery.
While exploration often invokes images of vast, uncharted lands, the true essence of discovery lies not only in the world around us but also within. Discovery is not just for grand expeditions—it is also an integral part of our daily lives and the personal journeys we embark on every day. From the moment we are born, we begin exploring and discovering the world around us. Childhood is perhaps the most formative period of exploration as we learn to walk, talk, and navigate social interactions. Each new skill, each new experience, is a form of exploration. Why do humans strive to climb the highest mountains, venture to the deepest parts of the ocean, learn to fly, and dream of landing on Mars? Is it our innate curiosity, ambition, and desire to find meaning in our lives that drives us? Perhaps it’s our evolutionary instincts pushing us to seek improvement and solutions, ensuring our survival and progress as a species. Robert Swan OBE, the first person to walk to both the North and South Poles, once said, "The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it." Perhaps the mission transcends the value of the individual. Whether it’s purpose, conviction, curiosity, or even a touch of insanity, something compels some people to push far beyond their limits.
…Has the personal connection, the raw sense of adventure, been lost? Perhaps it won’t be long before human explorers are no longer needed at all?
Exploration and discovery are not easy—they require courage, determination, and a willingness to step outside our comfort zones. But it’s these challenges that help us grow and progress. As Joseph Campbell famously said, “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” Campbell's words echo the idea that the most transformative discoveries often come from stepping into the unknown—whether that be a physical journey into the wilderness or the deeper exploration of our own minds. The hardest journeys often lead to the most valuable rewards, reminding us that true growth comes from facing discomfort. Frank Borman, a NASA astronaut, aptly stated, "Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit."
T.S. Eliot beautifully captures the idea that we will never cease to search for answers in his poem Little Gidding, stating, “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” Exploration is always possible—there is never an end to it. With each new piece of knowledge, we often find ourselves with more questions than answers. The quest for truth is never complete, and it is this uncertainty that propels us forward. The essence of truth lies in its intangibility—its endless pursuit is what makes it meaningful.
Perhaps some of the most profound discoveries we make are about ourselves. No exploration, discovery, or new experience can take place without teaching us important things about who we are. As we explore our inner selves, we may uncover unexpected insights or feel encouraged to enact change or practice self-acceptance. Through self-reflection, we confront beliefs and misconceptions, sometimes even reshaping them. Exploring new behaviors can enrich our lives and positively impact those around us. The subconscious is so intricate that it could be compared to a foreign land waiting to be explored.
…Perhaps some of the most profound discoveries we make are about ourselves.
The Evolution of Exploration
As mentioned, when I think of an explorer, the image that immediately comes to mind is that of an old-fashioned adventurous, intrepid figure—dressed in iconic gear, with a wide-brimmed hat, khaki pants, and binoculars slung around their neck. These figures seem foreign and abstract, removed from the modern day. They were individuals who embarked on expeditions with little expectation of returning. Despite the inherent dangers, the thrill of venturing into the unknown outweighed any fear. These were pioneers whose explorations expanded our understanding of the world.
…It’s much harder today to find something entirely new, and people are less likely to be overwhelmed by discoveries unless they’re truly extraordinary…
It's striking, though, that my initial image is of men, and predominantly privileged white men. While today women are trailblazers in exploration, this reflects the historical perceptions of who an explorer is. Historically, explorers were predominantly men, but these perceptions are evolving. Women are increasingly being recognized for their significant contributions to exploration, helping to challenge outdated stereotypes. Women have also made groundbreaking contributions throughout history. Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman to fly in space, Mary Kingsley, the British explorer who traversed West Africa, and Jacqueline Cochran, the pioneering aviator, exemplify just some of the women who have played an invaluable role in expanding the frontiers of human knowledge. Today, women like Jessica Meir and Katherine Johnson, both who have worked for NASA, continue to inspire future generations.
…It's striking, though, that my initial image is of men, and predominantly privileged white men.
Image from istock.com
Technology has dramatically transformed exploration, allowing explorers to push the limits of human capability. From Mars rovers exploring the Red Planet to deep-sea submersibles reaching the Mariana Trench, these advances reveal new dimensions of our world and beyond, proving exploration isn’t limited to Earth. Today, explorers can share their discoveries in real-time, instantly communicating findings to the world. In some ways, this may have diminished the sense of wonder once surrounding exploration. Everything feels so fleeting now, with little time to fully appreciate a discovery before the pressure to achieve the next one sets in. Has the human element and romanticism been removed from exploration? It’s much harder today to find something entirely new, and people are less likely to be overwhelmed by discoveries unless they’re truly extraordinary. Unlike in centuries past, people ‘no longer believe in mermaids and unicorns,’ and that intrigue and magic is shrinking all the time. The risks are significantly reduced compared to hundreds of years ago, and the legendary tales of explorers don’t carry the same weight. Perhaps explorers no longer enjoy the hero status they once did. With advanced tools like drones, satellites and sophisticated equipment, explorers can now gather data and samples from places once deemed too dangerous for human presence. And then there is AI, leading to much faster discoveries, through accelerated data analysis. Modern healthcare has also empowered explorers to venture farther and stay healthier, significantly reducing the risks of deadly diseases in remote areas. However, amid these advancements, one must ask: Has the personal connection, the raw sense of adventure, been lost? Perhaps it won’t be long before human explorers are no longer needed at all? In the words of David Attenborough, “I just wish the world was twice as big and half of it was still unexplored.”
In today’s world, where we’re constantly bombarded with up-to-the-minute news and discoveries, it often feels like everything is diluted. It takes much more to stir excitement in people now, and exploration has become more normal and transient—something anyone can participate in. With the wealth of technology available to the public, it might be true that nearly anyone can become an explorer, sharing their own adventures and findings with the world. Fame is easier to come by now, which makes exploration feel less exceptional. Sometimes, it seems as though society focuses more on the visibility and instant gratification of discoveries rather than on the deeper meaning and impact of the exploratory work itself. The shift towards the visible, the immediate, and the accessible may be overshadowing the essence of what exploration has always been about: pushing human limits to understand and appreciate the unknown.
…With advanced tools like drones, satellites and sophisticated equipment, explorers can now gather data and samples from places once deemed too dangerous for human presence.
he Impact of Exploration
Explorers not only make new discoveries but also offer valuable insights that help bridge divides between people and cultures. Neil Armstrong’s iconic quote, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," perfectly embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery. This exchange of ideas, customs, and philosophies has had a great impact on global trade routes, the spread of new religions and cuisines, and the development of a more international mindset. Exploration has been crucial in connecting the world and improving relationships between countries, benefiting both economies and societies. By mapping new regions, explorers have created a global network that makes travel to distant places faster and easier, allowing cultures and people to connect more freely than ever. It drives us toward greater knowledge and progress, sparking hope in future generations of adventurers, scientists, and visionaries. As long as new discoveries continue to unfold, the world will retain its intangible magic and allure.
…Exploration has been crucial in connecting the world and improving relationships between countries
While explorers may appear as solitary figures on a quest, their contributions when you look closer are far from isolated. Ernest Shackleton, like many other explorers, recognized the critical importance of teamwork in achieving mission success. As he wrote, "In the darkness of the night, with no knowledge of what might happen next, the team became everything." Tenzing Norgay the sherpa who scaled Mount Everest in its first ever ascent with Sir Edmund Hillary famously said, “You cannot be a good mountaineer, however great your ability, unless you are cheerful and have the spirit of comradeship. Friends are as important as achievement. Another is that teamwork is the one key to success and that selfishness only makes a man small.”
…the critical importance of teamwork in achieving mission success.
In today’s interconnected world, the role of the explorer has evolved even further. Modern adventurers are often backed by an extensive team, not only on the ground during the expedition but also remotely, with support from experts and specialists at home. Exploration has become a collaborative effort in our globalised society. Explorers and their teams also often form strong relationships with communities in remote locations, contributing to a global network where knowledge is shared, and mutual understanding is fostered. While exploration may often begin with a personal drive, explorers typically have to rely on their own connections and communities, to fund their expeditions, at least at the start. Communities provide the funding, expertise, and knowledge that make such costly endeavours possible. Space missions, like NASA's Artemis Program, depend not only on international cooperation but also on the contributions of countless scientists, engineers, and dreamers who share a common goal. In the realm of space exploration, the mission has extended beyond Earth, pushing the boundaries of human communication and potentially laying the foundation for future human settlements on other planets.
However, we needn’t all don an astronaut suit just yet! It doesn’t always take a grand expedition to make a discovery or explore the unknown. Sometimes, through introspection and personal exploration, we find ourselves searching for a deeper purpose in life—one that might involve community outreach and enriching not only our own lives but those of others around us. The answers we seek may very well be right at our doorstep, rather than thousands of miles away. Thus, the journey of discovery and exploration is a never-ending quest to learn, grow, and seek understanding. In fact, the journey itself is the most meaningful part.
…The journey of self-discovery, when approached with freedom and openness, provides the opportunity to challenge and redefine societal expectations, ultimately helping us all grow and learn from each other.
This personal exploration mirrors the mission of The Informed Perspective, where we aim to encourage open dialogue that helps uncover the perspectives and ideas that define who we are. Just as individual growth stems from introspection and external interaction, so too does the collective growth of society from open and honest discussion. It is good to be reminded that the basis for exploration is ‘flexibility’ and ‘open-mindedness.’ It is crucial that we listen to one another to truly understand the challenges we face and the experiences we are living. Connection comes through these conversations, and it shouldn't be about taking sides. It should be about understanding, learning, and growing together.
Through such dialogues, individuals can explore aspects of their identity, whether it’s related to religion, sexual identity, or societal expectations. As we learn from each other, we also grow in understanding ourselves. The external world can impose significant challenges, such as judgment, rejection, or discrimination, making the process of self-discovery even more difficult. However, by engaging in open dialogue and embracing different perspectives, individuals can find the resilience and support needed to navigate these complexities, enabling them to explore their true selves without fear of condemnation. The journey of self-discovery, when approached with freedom and openness, provides the opportunity to challenge and redefine societal expectations, ultimately helping us all grow and learn from each other.
One of the most formative opportunities for exploration and self-discovery comes through unusual experiences like the famous 'gap year,' where young adults embark on journeys to distant lands, often funded by seasonal or lower-paid jobs. These travels provide unique chances for personal growth and reflection. As participants in a study of identity development explained, sport and travel can challenge personal limits and shift perspectives. A Finnish man shared, “'Sports allowed me to discover myself…It allowed me to know where my limits are or where I can go further. What I can and can’t do.'” Meanwhile, a Swiss woman explained, “What really changed me was my travel in South America. Because I came back not as a completely different person,...., just my way of thinking and seeing things.” And a Greek woman shared her view, saying, “I think it’s very important to meet new people, to learn new stuff, see how they think, what they think about and then you can adapt yourself…..you can keep…follow whatever you want, but also giving knowledge to others and accepting knowledge as well. That can happen both from meeting people or going to new places.”
…This process of self-discovery is an expedition into the unknown, much like an explorer venturing beyond the boundaries of their known world…
Through both physical and emotional journeys, individuals find new ways of thinking. This enables them to adapt their perspectives, and enrich their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Many of us will experience a pivotal point in our lives when we will begin to explore our deeper purpose in the world. This period, often identified as the 'mid-life crisis,' involves an internal journey to reconstruct our life narrative. For much of youth and early adulthood, we internalize a "life story" or "narrative identity," which shapes who we think we ought to be. This narrative gives us self-continuity by explaining who we were, who we are, and who we want to become. Murray Stein, a Jungian psychoanalyst, refers to this as the "development of individuality." This is when we begin to push past our familiar lives and take risks—whether that means changing careers, altering our appearance, or re-evaluating our relationships. This process of self-discovery is an expedition into the unknown, much like an explorer venturing beyond the boundaries of their known world. It’s a quest for personal direction and a "second birth into selfhood," as Stein describes, a path that is “not for the weak of heart or soul.” This journey calls for courage, resilience, and an openness to change and growth.
Some individuals take this sense of adventure even further, embracing risks and challenges that extend far beyond personal growth, often for the greater good of humanity. As discussions about the first human settlement on Mars continue, volunteers will inevitably step forward, viewing the mission as a higher purpose, one that requires great courage and determination. Similarly, many choose to embark on expeditions focused on environmental research, conflict resolution, or medical trials, recognizing the risks involved but understanding the invaluable contributions they can make. These individuals are not only willing to face adversity but thrive in it, often demonstrating the leadership and motivational skills needed to persuade others to join their mission. They are a source of inspiration for future generations and remind us all that through resilience and vision, anything is possible.
…through resilience and vision, anything is possible.
In conclusion, the pursuit of discovery and exploration is something deeply human that goes beyond individual experiences and connects to our shared journey as a whole. Whether it's exploring new places, discovering fresh ways of thinking, or diving into self-reflection, exploration helps us grow, learn, and understand both the world and ourselves better. These journeys show us the value of stepping outside our comfort zones, embracing new perspectives, and always pushing for self-discovery. Whether it's having the courage to explore new lands, being open to new ideas, or working to understand the complexities of our own identity, we can in fact all say we’re explorers in one way or another!
At the end of the day, exploration isn't just about finding new lands anymore. It's grown into something bigger—uncovering the unknown, whether that's new species, ancient civilizations, or groundbreaking scientific discoveries—and sharing that knowledge with the world. Through their work, explorers bring cultures together, influencing the places they visit and the ones they return to. Exploration unites people, building understanding, collaboration, and shared benefits. It's about embracing the journey—whether we're navigating distant lands or looking inward.
