For the execution of the voyage to the Indies, I did not make use of intelligence, mathematics or maps.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the idea of embarking on new endeavors without relying on conventional methods or knowledge.
Christopher Columbus's statement highlights the spirit of exploration and the willingness to pursue one's dreams despite the lack of traditional tools or guidance. It emphasizes the importance of courage and determination in venturing into the unknown and achieving one's goals, suggesting that success often requires stepping outside of established boundaries and trusting one's instincts.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to encourage students to pursue their dreams.
Weep for me, whoever has charity, truth and justice! I did not come on this voyage for gain, honor or wealth, that is certain; for then the hope of all such things was dead. I came to Your Highnesses with honest purpose and sincere zeal; and I do not lie. I humbly beseech Your Highnesses that, if it please God to remove me hence, you will help me to go to Rome and on other pilgrimages.
I should not proceed by land to the East, as is customary, but by a Westerly route, in which direction we have hitherto no certain evidence that any one has gone.
Sailed this day nineteen leagues, and determined to count less than the true number, that the crew might not be dismayed if the voyage should prove long.
Caught in a racial uproar, people make all sorts of promises to make amends. Whatever they do tends to be heavy on symbolism and light on lasting change.
I hope one day people don't look at women like they're out of their minds when they want to pick up an instrument and play. And I think we're getting a lot closer to that.
For things to change you need to change. For things to get better you need to get better. The good news is you can change, you can get better and you can start right where you are at and you can go as far as you want to go.
We must build a new world, a far better world - one in which the eternal dignity of man is respected.
Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change. The sun might shine, or the clouds might lour: but nothing could appear to me as it had done the day before.
We are going through the eye of the needle; make sure you leave what you don't need behind
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