This book looks at the human drive and the underlying desire to search for the unknown. The crux of the book identifies seven character traits that are common to explorers and each chapter takes a trait and develops it further.
Explorers of different types are examined, who all come from various backgrounds but take on challenges that physically and emotionally test the human spirit. One of the expeditions looks at the adventure taken by Richard Burton and John Speke, who set out to try and find the source of the Nile. For many years this had been a mystery surrounded by much speculation as to its origin. David Livingstone, another well known African explorer is mentioned for his fascination with the continent.
The writer threads the historical context of the time period covering the Age of Reason, Enlightenment, and Discovery; a thirst for knowledge became the driving force for the explorers. What's interesting is how he also intertwines the motivation and behavior of these risk takers in the past, as well as its relevance to today. One example compares Steve Jobs and Christopher Columbus who are centuries apart but both explorers made transformational discoveries. There are many other examples given of those that went out on a quest "unveiling the secret corridors of the globe," this quote captures it in a nutshell.
He reminds us that today we still yearn for more knowledge and our pursuit for the unknown hasn't diminished. Nasa exploring the planet Mars and naming rover "curiosity," is a fitting example of the continued drive for exploration.