In this chapter, Voltaire explores human ambition for exploration and discovery, focusing on expeditions related to the compass and featuring notable figures such as Flavio Gioja and Nicholas of Lynn, among others. Voltaire also examines the discoveries of Prince Henry the Navigator, including Madeira Island and reflects on Africa, addressing differences between white individuals and people of colour. Additionally, the author considers figurative rather than scientistic portrayal of astral poles in Dante’s Divine Comedy, as well as the expeditions of Vasco da Gama and other Portuguese explorers.