Final answer:
The statement is True; curiosity driven by Renaissance and Scientific Revolution thinking played a key role in prompting people to explore the unknown, as these periods marked the beginning of systematic scientific inquiry and a new outlook on nature, leading to the Age of Exploration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that curiosity stemming from the shift in thinking during the Renaissance and Scientific Revolution is a major component to people leaving home for the unknown is True. During the Renaissance, individuals started to view nature as rational and ultimately knowable, laying the groundwork for the modern path toward science and technology.
The pioneers of this era relied on experiments and observations to unlock nature's secrets, which fueled a surge of exploration and thirst for knowledge. The Scientific Revolution further cemented this curiosity by establishing key principles conveying an orderly and rational universe, challenging traditional notions and inspiring intellectual innovation.
Technological improvements made during the Renaissance, such as advancements in navigational technologies, enabled Europeans to venture into uncharted waters. Combined with the desire for new trade routes, the spread of religion, and the quest for new markets, Europeans were motivated to explore distant lands.
The resultant era of exploration led to increased mobility and global interaction, characteristic of the Industrial Revolution and the period of Enlightenment. During these times, ideas about wealth creation and societal structures were critically examined, which encouraged further exploration and challenge to the status quo.