Captain Walton is eager to visit such a hostile environment because he is desirous of making some great discovery that will benefit the human race and win him fame and glory. He says in his first letter,
What may not be expected in a country of eternal light? I may there discover the wondrous power which attracts the needle; and may regulate a thousand celestial observations, that require only this voyage to render their seeming eccentricities consistent for ever. I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man.
Walton believes that he will be the first to set foot in this place -- probably because it is so hostile -- and says that he has high hopes for the things he might discover there. It could be this voyage, he says, that explains so many current mysteries. Further, he takes a great deal of pride in being courageous enough to attempt this journey, as he reiterates the fact that no one has attempted it before him. Finally, he longs to satisfy his curiosity.
Moreover, still in the first letter, he writes that
you cannot contest the inestimable benefit which I shall confer on all mankind to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the pole to those countries, to reach which at present so many months are requisite; or by ascertaining the secret of the magnet, which, if at all possible, can only be effected by an undertaking such as mine.
Here, again, we see how much Walton yearns to benefit humanity by discovering a northwest passage that would improve life dramatically by making travel and trade with one part of the world so much more accessible. Likewise, he believes that only a journey such as this one can help to explain certain secrets of the world.
His eagerness to visit such an inhospitable place springs from both his earnest desire to know and learn and understand more as well as his desire to be credited with these discoveries forevermore.
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