Is our way of knowing superior to that of Columbus?

The question; which way of knowing is preferable, is a difficult question. However, I'd argue that human thought and motivation remains the same as it was back in the late 15th century.
Humanity has always sought to explain what is unknown through myth and religion. Columbus saw an unknown figure in the water and determined it to be a mermaid, a logical explanation during a time where oceanography was just beginning to develop and much of the western world remained unknown. Legends told Columbus that mermaids inhabited the ocean, and these myths were accepted by sailors who had no scientific response to refute such a claim. Today, while we have made numerous advancements in science and technology, there still are legends regarding fantastical creatures; from the chupacabra to bigfoot. While fewer people believe in the existance of these creatures, this is because science creates a sense of skepticism. But somehow, these legends endure and some to this day believe in these creatures.
As far as motivation, Columbus appears to have three driving forces behind his exploration and interaction with the natives: fame, wealth, and religion. Columbus wrote outlandish claims into his letters and journal entrys in an obvious effort to bolster his reputation and gain funding for his next journey. Today, lots of top-notch scientists take pride in their fame and their employers invest in their work hoping that technological development will translate into large profits. The pharmaceutical industry is a good example of such thinking. Religion still motivates many to subjugate others. All of the major religious faiths (the exeption being Buddhism) have expanded due to violence. While Columbus may have thought he was doing the natives a favor by forcing Christianity upon them, this sort of forced conversion goes on in other parts of the world to this day.
So no, our way of thinking is not better than that of Columbus, nor is his mentality better than ours in the present day. People's logic and motivations remain constant throughout time. We shall always try to explain the unknown, to aquire wealth and fame, and to push our agenda. These concepts have been in place for the entirety of human history, and will continue to have just as much importance as they always have into the future.