"For the execution of the voyage to the Indies, I did not make use of intelligence, mathematics or maps"

In this quote, Christopher Columbus is mentioning that he did not depend on standard methods or tools for navigation throughout his voyage to the Indies. Rather, he counted on his own instincts and observations. This could be translated as a bold and daring move, as the majority of explorers at the time heavily depended on intelligence, mathematics, and maps to direct their journeys. Columbus may have thought that his own intuition and experience sufficed to direct him to his location. This quote likewise highlights Columbus' confidence and determination in his objective, as he wanted to take dangers and break the norm in order to attain his objective.