Why did people seek to explore the world in the 1400s?

Europeans were looking for resources. Gold, Fish, Fur, Gems, Wood, Sugar, Tea and spices. Mostly they wanted big treasure like gold. They were looking for a faster way to the east (India, China etc) and they stumbled on America. They wanted a faster route because if they were the only ones who knew there was such a way they could trade at a faster pace and make more money.