Christopher Columbus Quotes

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.

I am not solicitous to examine particularly everything here, which indeed could not be done in fifty years, because my desire is to make all possible discoveries, and return to your Highnesses, if it please our Lord, in April.

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”.

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

Their houses are all built in the shape of tents, with very high chimneys.

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

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

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

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

Each day we understand better what the Indians say, and they us, so that very often we are intelligible to each other.

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

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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