Portrait of Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama

Sea route to India

Early Modern influential 94 sayings

Sayings by Vasco da Gama

My mission is to serve God and my King, and to bring glory to Portugal.

1497 — A concise summary of his motivations.
Biblical Unverifiable

The riches of the East are ours for the taking.

1498 — A declaration of entitlement to the resources of India.
Money & Business Unverifiable

I will not be deterred by any obstacle.

1497 — A statement of his relentless perseverance.
Wisdom Unverifiable

Let us navigate with courage and skill.

1497 — An exhortation to his crew, emphasizing both bravery and expertise.
Inspirational Unverifiable

The world is much larger than we imagined.

1499 — A reflection on the vastness of his discoveries.
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

I have seen wonders that no European has ever witnessed.

1498 — A statement of awe and pride in his unique experiences.
Wisdom Unverifiable

We must establish a permanent presence here.

1502 — His strategic thinking about long-term Portuguese influence in India.
Wisdom Unverifiable

The path to glory is often fraught with peril.

1497 — A philosophical reflection on the challenges of his expeditions.
Wisdom Unverifiable

I will not rest until I have secured the trade route.

1502 — A declaration of his commitment to the economic objectives of his voyages.
Money & Business Unverifiable

I am not here to spread the faith, but to find spices.

1498 — Alleged remark to a priest
Wisdom Unverifiable

The sea is my church, and my ships are its priests.

1502 — Boast about naval prowess
Biblical Unverifiable

If they will not trade, we will take by force.

1498 — Threat to Indian merchants
Money & Business Unverifiable

I care not for their gods, only their gold.

1498 — Disregard for local religions
Wisdom Unverifiable

The Moors are dogs, and I will treat them as such.

1502 — Hostility toward Muslim traders
Wisdom Unverifiable

I would burn a hundred ships to secure the spice trade.

1502 — Extreme vow
Money & Business Unverifiable

They call me cruel, but the sea is crueler.

1503 — Defending harsh measures
Nature & World Unverifiable

The only law on the ocean is what I decree.

1498 — Asserting authority at sea
Nature & World Unverifiable

I did not come to make friends, but to make history.

1498 — Rebuffing diplomacy
Educational Unverifiable

Their temples are rich, but their faith is poor.

1498 — Criticizing Hindu practices
Biblical Unverifiable

I fear no storm, only failure.

1497 — Personal motto
Life & Death Unverifiable
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