Comments on: 5 Explorers Who Conquered New Worlds Without Raping and Pillaging

By: William Wallace

William Wallace — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:54:32 +0000

Cool list, and its good to read about some historic heroes that managed to do it without causing harm. It is Good to see a fellow Scotsman on the list David Livingstone.

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By: Eva

Eva — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:49:50 +0000

Kelli, I was very surprised to see you write:

"On a website that seems so often to be degrading of Christianity and any of its possible "benefits", this was a prime chance to show the religion in a positive light."

I'd be curious to know which articles on BNT you find disrespectful of Christianity? Certainly, the site is dedicated to spiritual travel in all its forms, so we spend a lot of time discussing other religions and practices, too – but I don't think we neglect or insult Christianity in doing so.

I'd encourage you to check out some more of our articles – I believe your faith has been treated respectfully throughout all of these:

http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/08/05/the-5-...
http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/11/26/how-to...
http://matadortravel.com/travel-writing/spain/tra...

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By: Kelli

Kelli — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 07:26:25 +0000

I really enjoyed this article and it's take on explorers. Excellent!

However, I was slightly disappointed in the description of David Livingstone. The man was first a missionary, second an explorer. The two went hand in hand. On a website that seems so often to be degrading of Christianity and any of its possible "benefits", this was a prime chance to show the religion in a positive light. As a representative of his Lord Jesus Christ, Livingstone showed more love and compassion for the people of Africa by his life example than the many that have raped and pillaged in the name of God. At least a token mention of his background and further motivation for his life of exploration would have been healthy.

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By: KevC

KevC — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:35:02 +0000

For another list you may include the man who actually made it to the South Pole, Roald Amundsen (July 16, 1872-June 22, 1928) he was a Norwegian polar explorer who was the first person to fly over the North Pole in a dirigible (May 11-13, 1926). I'm English and still think Shackleton was amazing but lets be fair Amundsen also became the first man to reach the North Pole too.
I also think Edmund Hilary and Sherpa Tensing deserve a mention although I suppose the heights of Everest don't really count as exploration but more as an achievement.
Still a good read and now I know about the Bering Straits so its well worth it.

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By: Theodore_Scott

Theodore_Scott — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:28:19 +0000

Thanks!

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By: Theodore_Scott

Theodore_Scott — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:25:57 +0000

There are many worthy people I left out. I chose most of the explorers because of books I have read. So, the list is based on what is on my bookshelves. And I read South not that long ago.

However, I debated on including any polar explorers. The idea behind the article was explorers that didn't intentionally harm the people they met. That is less of an issue in Antarctica. I kept Shackleton on the list anyway, since I like his story so much!

Thanks for reading!

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