"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"
- Christopher Columbus
About this Quote
In this excerpt, Christopher Columbus articulates his objective to thoroughly document his voyage. This assertion highlights not only the gravity with which he approached his exploration but likewise highlights the historical context and significance of his journey during the Age of Discovery. By expressing a dedication to "keep an account of the voyage," Columbus underscores the value of record-keeping in exploratory missions, a practice that served multiple functions such as navigation, responsibility, and legacy.
His diligence in documenting "punctually every thing we carried out or saw from day to day" suggests an aspiration for accuracy and thoroughness in his observations. This exactitude was crucial in an era when exploration was fraught with unpredictabilities and the day-to-day recording of events might help in navigation and decision-making. By doing so, Columbus was not simply compiling a log for his contemporaries but was likewise adding to a more comprehensive tapestry of knowledge that could help future explorations.
Furthermore, this passage shows Columbus's awareness of the more comprehensive ramifications of his journey. By specifying "as will hereafter appear," he recommends that the voyage's significance would unfold gradually, acknowledging both its instant effect and its possible historical significance. This foresight exposes Columbus's understanding that he became part of a transformative duration in history, one that would reshape international interaction and understanding.
Additionally, this statement likewise means Columbus's awareness of individual tradition. By recording the journey, he was successfully crafting a story that could define his place in history. This sheds light on the human desire for acknowledgment and the requirement to assert one's role in larger-than-life occasions. Through his writings, Columbus looked for to guarantee that his contributions to exploration would not be forgotten, cementing his place in the annals of history.
In amount, this quote encapsulates Columbus's systematic technique to exploration, his understanding of the broader historic ramifications, and his desire to secure his legacy through persistent record-keeping.
"My sorrow, when she's here with me, thinks these dark days of autumn rain are beautiful as days can be; she loves the bare, the withered tree; she walks the sodden pasture lane"
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