I am trying to asses the relative importance of different motives behind the explorations in search of the source of the White Nile; most notably those of Burton. I would be extremely greateful for any ideas. Many thanks. Michelle

Ascertaining motives is difficult enough. Then to assess them is a task I don't envy. But here's my two cents.

Many of Burton's contemporaries may have been motivated at least in part by something more "noble" than self-aggrandizement. Missionaries, for example, most obviously Livingstone, surely considered themselves following an unselfish pursuit. But I think Burton desired fame and wealth, and public recognition of his extraordinary talents. And this goal was best achieved for him as an explorer, both because of his talents and his shortcomings. His physical powers, aptitude with languages, and interests in local customs would serve him well in untamed lands. Similarly, the shortcomings that got him in so much official trouble with British society and the Indian army-- his lack of patience with official protocol, his brusqueness and irreverence toward authority, and his perverse and unconventional nature-- would be much less of a handicap in the bush. In short, exploring seemed to offer Burton the best opportunity for success that he felt was his obvious due.

Somewhere Burton said to Speke "It is honour, not honours, that we seek" but I agree with Rand that Burton in fact had a great need for honours and of recognition on a scale that always eluded him. One big motivation, sure, but the intense interest that he took in new and unexplored cultures and in everything novel around him would be another. He must be counted among the most observant of men for his detailed and wide-ranging descriptions of so many dimensions of unexplored environments. His willingness to meticulously document them, was probably his greatest asset as an "explorer".

And let's be frank, who among us undertakes any great adventure just for its own sake, without at the same time having an eye on the spectators and on posterity?

Burton`s motto was:

`Do what thy manhood bids to do
from none but self expect appause
he noblest lives and noblest dies
who makes and keeps his self-made laws`

I of course agree with previous statements that he was a man of honor. I`think Burton was feeling constricted by the laws of british society,which was and still is very conservative. He was strongly percieving his diffrence in comparison to other people.
During travels espescially long ones, to exotic countries daily routine, wich sorround us dissapears and a soul of a man is free. Exploration got its two dimensions. One is obvious and this is what we see and feel. Second is hidden and these are the things that`s being done to the heart. So the simple journey to another country will change soul of a man and becomes also inner-soul explration. That was a thing, `Gypsy Genius` wanted. His spiritual desire to find out what kind of role God has given to him to play in His dominion was never satisfied.

To quote from Fawn Brodie's biography "The Devil Drives":
"Starting in a hollowed log of wood -- some thousand miles up a river, with an infinitesmal prospect of returning! I ask myself 'why?' and the only echo is 'damned fool! ... the Devil drives.'"
So maybe Burton himself really didn't know what demons drove him. Personally I would ascribe to him an insatiable curiosity that prevented him from living a sedentary lifestyle while hoping -- as most of us do -- that others would answer these questions.