Christopher Columbus Quotes

I believe that there are many herbs and many trees that are worth much in Europe for dyes and for medicines; but I do not know, and this causes me great sorrow. Arriving at this cape, I found the smell of the trees and flowers so delicious that it seemed the pleasantest thing in the world.

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”.

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.

I have come to believe that this is a mighty continent which was hitherto unknown.

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.

For this purpose I determined to keep an account of the voyage, and to write down punctually every thing we performed or saw from day to day, as will hereafter appear.

But in truth, should I meet with gold or spices in great quantity, I shall remain till I collect as much as possible, and for this purpose I am proceeding solely in quest of them.

Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World.

It is easy to discover what another has discovered before.

Life has more imagination than We carry in our dreams.

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

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

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

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.”