Christopher Columbus

“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.”

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

“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.”

“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.”

“Stood off and on during the night, determining not to come to anchor till morning, fearing to meet with shoals; continued our course in the morning; and as the island was found to be six or seven leagues distant, and the tide was against us, it was noon when we arrived there.”

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

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

“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 the execution of the voyage to the Indies, I did not make use of intelligence, mathematics or maps.”

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

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

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

“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.”

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

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

“There are trees of a thousand sorts, and all have their several fruits; and I feel the most unhappy man in the world not to know them, for I am well assured that they are all valuable. I bring home specimens of them, and also of the land.”

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