Christopher Columbus

Sailed to the Americas

Early Modern influential 75 sayings

Sayings by Christopher Columbus

These people are very unskilled in arms... with fifty men they could all be subjugated and compelled to do anything one wishes.

1493 — Letter to the Spanish monarchs
Controversial Unverifiable

By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination.

Late 15th - early 16th century (approximate) — General philosophical statement on perseverance and determination.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Riches don't make a man rich, they only make him busier.

Late 15th - early 16th century (approximate) — Philosophical reflection on the nature of wealth.
Philosophical Unverifiable

You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.

Late 15th - early 16th century (approximate) — Metaphorical statement about taking risks and embracing the unknown, widely attributed to Columbus.
Philosophical Unverifiable

One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.

Late 15th - early 16th century (approximate) — Emphasizing commitment and perseverance in exploration.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Life has more imagination than we carry in our dreams.

Late 15th - early 16th century (approximate) — Profound observation on the vastness and unexpectedness of reality.
Philosophical Unverifiable

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.

Late 15th - early 16th century (approximate, found in his writings/letters) — Reflecting his deep religious conviction and sense of divine mission.
Philosophical Unverifiable

It is easy to discover what another has discovered before.

Late 15th - early 16th century (approximate) — Statement on originality versus following existing paths.
Philosophical Unverifiable

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.

Late 15th - early 16th century (approximate) — Personal reflection on faith, sin, and divine consolation, found in his writings.
Philosophical Unverifiable

It was the Lord who put into my mind (I could feel His hand upon me) the fact that it would be possible to sail from here to the Indies. All who heard of my project rejected it with laughter, ridiculing me. There is no question that the inspiration was from the Holy Spirit...

Late 15th - early 16th century (approximate) — From his personal writings, expressing belief in divine inspiration for his voyages.
Philosophical Unverifiable

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.

Late 15th - early 16th century (approximate) — Observation on societal change and the role of pioneers, attributed to Columbus.
Philosophical Unverifiable

The sea will grant each man new hope, and sleep will bring dreams of home.

Late 15th - early 16th century (approximate) — Poetic and philosophical reflection on hope and longing during sea voyages.
Philosophical Confirmed

I prayed to the most merciful Lord about my heart's great desire, and He gave me the spirit and the intelligence for the task: seafaring, astronomy, geometry, arithmetic, skill in drafting spherical maps and placing correctly the cities, rivers, mountains and ports. I also studied cosmology, history, chronology and philosophy.

Late 15th - early 16th century (approximate) — Self-reflection on his diverse studies and belief in divine assistance, from his writings.
Philosophical Unverifiable

I am the saddest man in the world, because I do not recognize them.

c. 1493 (after his first voyage) — Reflecting confusion and disconnect upon encountering the New World, indicating a philosophical stru…
Philosophical Unverifiable

I recognized that they were people who would be better freed [from error] and converted to our Holy Faith by love than by force.

1492 (during his first voyage) — From his journal, expressing a philosophical/moral consideration regarding the indigenous people, al…
Philosophical Unverifiable