Portrait of Ferdinand Magellan

Ferdinand Magellan

First circumnavigation

Early Modern influential 50 sayings

Sayings by Ferdinand Magellan

The church says the earth is flat, but I know that it is round.

1519 — Attributed in later accounts, exact source unclear
Biblical Unverifiable

I will sail where no man has dared to sail.

1519 — Statement before his voyage
Wisdom Unverifiable

The sea is dangerous and its storms terrible, but these obstacles have never been sufficient reason to remain ashore.

1519 — Attributed in later accounts
Nature & World Confirmed

The church is the true compass by which we must guide ourselves in these heathen lands.

1521 — Speech to his crew before landing in the Philippines
Religious Unverifiable

These people worship idols; we must break them and bring them to the true faith.

1521 — Reported by Antonio Pigafetta, his chronicler
Religious Unverifiable

We will plant the cross in these lands, and those who resist will be subdued by force.

1521 — Speaking about converting indigenous peoples
General Unverifiable

If they will not submit to our king and our God, we must make them submit with steel and fire.

1521 — Before conflict in Mactan, Philippines
General Unverifiable

Unlike the mediocre, intrepid spirits seek victory over those things that seem impossible... It is with an iron will that they embark on the most daring of all endeavors... to meet the shadowy future without fear and conquer the unknown.

Early 16th century (approximate) — A philosophical reflection on human spirit, ambition, and confronting the unknown, widely attributed…
Philosophical Unverifiable

Go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear and with a manly heart.

Early 16th century (approximate) — Inspirational and philosophical advice on facing the future, widely attributed.
Philosophical Unverifiable

The Church says that the Earth is flat, but I know that it is round. For I have seen the shadow of the earth on the moon and I have more faith in the Shadow than in the Church.

19th century (Ingersoll's attribution) — Widely attributed to Magellan, but considered misattributed and likely originated from Robert Green …
Philosophical Unverifiable
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