Suppose Columbus simply had complete freedom to explore the world without specific goals in mind. How would that have affected his observations? How might it have affected world history?

If Columbus had been given complete freedom to explore the world without specific goals in mind, his observations would have been much more varied and expansive. He would have been able to explore more of the world and observe more of its cultures, people, and geography. This could have led to a greater understanding of the world and its inhabitants, which could have had a positive effect on world history. For example, it could have led to more peaceful interactions between different cultures and nations, as well as a greater appreciation for the diversity of the world.