Christopher Columbus Quotes.
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.
One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. Variants include “You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore”.
Life has more imagination than We carry in our dreams.
No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Saviour, if it is just and if the intention is purely for His holy service.
Each day we understand better what the Indians say, and they us, so that very often we are intelligible to each other.
After having dispatched a meal, I went ashore, and found no habitation save a single house, and that without an occupant; we had no doubt that the people had fled in terror at our approach, as the house was completely furnished.
It is easy to discover what another has discovered before.
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.
By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination.
Tomorrow morning before we depart, I intend to land and see what can be found in the neighborhood.
I have come to believe that this is a mighty continent which was hitherto unknown.
I found that part of it towards San Salvador extending from north to south five leagues, and the other side which we coasted along, ran from east to west more than ten leagues.
Sailed this day nineteen leagues, and determined to count less than the true number, that the crew might not be dismayed if the voyage should prove long.
For the execution of the voyage to the Indies, I did not make use of intelligence, mathematics or maps.
With gold a man can do anything. It even sends souls to paradise.
An old man came on board my boat; the others, both men and women cried with loud voices: “Come and see the men who have come from the sky. Bring them victuals and drink.”
I propose to construct a new chart for navigating, on which I shall delineate all the sea and lands of the Ocean in their proper positions under their bearings; and further, I propose to prepare a book, and to put down all as it were in a picture, by latitude from the equator, and western longitude.
