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.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the courage to take unconventional paths in pursuit of discovery and exploration.
Christopher Columbus expresses his determination to take a route less traveled, emphasizing the importance of venturing into the unknown rather than following the traditional, safer paths. This mindset showcases the courage required to explore new territories and the willingness to face uncertainty for the sake of potential discovery.
In practice
In an inspirational speech about innovation at a tech conference.
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.
For the execution of the voyage to the Indies, I did not make use of intelligence, mathematics or maps.
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.
The devil smiles when we are up to our ears in work, but he trembles when we pray.
It never occurred to me that I was not going to challenge segregation.
Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.
I am known for a life spent in the struggle for freedom, and freedom includes the freedom of religion.
The #MeToo movement doesn't belong to Republicans or the Democrats. The #MeToo movement belongs to women who are having the courage to come forward and say this is wrong. People should be protected. We want that for all of our daughters and all of our sisters. We also want there to be rights for the accused.
In her heart she is a mourner for those who have not survived. In her soul she is a warrior for those who are now as she was then. In her life she is both celebrant and proof of women's capacity and will to survive, to become, to act, to change self and society. And each year she is stronger and there are more of her.
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