What type of exploration has a greater long-term impact on a society: external exploration of the world or internal exploration of human understanding

The exploration of the world is just as valuable as understanding and exploring humans themselves. The exploration of the world during the Renaissance lead to trade with countries outside of Europe. Many new trade routes were created. New spices, foods, and valuable goods like gems were traded. Also Europe's knowledge of the world increased (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance#Humanism).

Also during this time the people of the Renaissance were looking into science, math, and other disciplines. They helped to expand the knowledge of the human person and enlightened Europe. This would also lead to the invention of many helpful technologies. Both of those forms of exploration were equally as helpful in the middle ages (http://www.learner.org/interactives/renaissance/exploration.html).

Sources:

"Renaissance -- Exploration and Trade." Teacher Professional Development and Teacher Resources by Annenberg Media. Web. 04 May 2010. http://www.learner.org/interactives/renaissance/exploration.html.

"Renaissance." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 04 May 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance#Humanism.

Picture Source:

"File:Italy 1494 V2.png." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 04 May 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Italy_1494_v2.png.