The Star Trek world is based on post scarcity economy, this article explains nicely.

My guess: because you are born in a place where all your basics are covered up until almost the top of the pyramid, what is left is just the Self-actualization. What can be best to that than to explore the universe? I will sign blindly if I were there. Keep in mind that the Star Trek series only cover the intensive events, it won't cover an episode about a routine space exploration with no contact whatsoever, we will fall asleep ;-).

I think, they simply receive the feeling of having some meaningful/stories on their lives + an awesome experience in the unknown! It's in us, otherwise why the **** Columbus decided to get into so much trouble?

The Star Trek world is based on a post scarcity economy, which this article explains nicely.

My guess: because you are born in a place where all your basics are covered up until almost the top of the pyramid, what is left is just self-actualization. What could be better for that than to explore the universe? I would sign blindly if I were there. Keep in mind that the Star Trek series only cover the intensive events: they won't cover an episode about a routine space exploration with no contact whatsoever, or we would fall asleep ;-).

I think they simply receive the feeling of having some meaningful stories in their lives + an awesome experience in the unknown! It's in us, otherwise why the **** did Columbus decide to get into so much trouble?