Christopher Columbus Quotes

The air soft as that of Seville in April, and so fragrant that it was delicious to breathe it.

It is easy to discover what another has discovered before.

It is hoped that by God’s assistance, some of the continents in the Ocean will be discovered … for the Glory of God.

Thus the eternal God, our Lord, gives victory to those who follow His way over apparent impossibilities.

There are trees of a thousand sorts, and all have their several fruits; and I feel the most unhappy man in the world not to know them, for I am well assured that they are all valuable. I bring home specimens of them, and also of the land.

I saw a boy of the crew purchasing javelins of them with bits of platters and broken glass.

Gold is a treasure, and he who possesses it does all he wishes to in this world, and succeeds in helping souls into paradise.

But in truth, should I meet with gold or spices in great quantity, I shall remain till I collect as much as possible, and for this purpose I am proceeding solely in quest of them.

I am a most noteworthy sinner, but I have cried out to the Lord for grace and mercy, and they have covered me completely. I have found the sweetest consolation since I made it my whole purpose to enjoy His marvellous Presence.

The Indians on board said that thence to Cuba was a voyage in their canoes of a day and a half; these being small dug-outs without a sail. Such are their canoes. I departed thence for Cuba, for by the signs the Indians made of its greatness, and of its gold and pearls, I thought that it must be Cipango.

These people are very unskilled in arms… with 50 men they could all be subjected and made to do all that one wished.

I have come to believe that this is a mighty continent which was hitherto unknown.

My desire was not to pass any island without taking possession, so that, one having been taken, the same may be said of all.

Tomorrow morning before we depart, I intend to land and see what can be found in the neighborhood.

Nothing that results in human progress is achieved with unanimous consent. Those that are enlightened before the others are condemned to pursue that light in spite of the others.

For this purpose I determined to keep an account of the voyage, and to write down punctually every thing we performed or saw from day to day, as will hereafter appear.

With gold a man can do anything. It even sends souls to paradise.