What type of exploration has a greater long-term impact on a society: external exploration of the world or internal exploration of human understand

Philosophers can argue for years over which is more important, internal or external exploration. External exploration results in internal explanation because when you learn more externally you become a better thinker of the math and sciences. External exploration leads to the discovery of long forgotten civilizations which prompts current civilization to move forward. My finding out about the past people can grow internally for the future. External exploration has a greater long term impact on society because society can grow internally and externally. When more information is found and more questions are answered then education can become more in depth and when education is more in depth than thought processes are stronger. With smarter people society can grow even more. External exploration has more prizes then internal in the end.