"These people are very unskilled in arms... with 50 men they could all be subjected and made to do all that one wished"
- Christopher Columbus
About this Quote
This quote by Christopher Columbus is a reflection of his surprise at the serene nature of the native people he came across during his trips. He was impressed that such a small group of individuals could be so easily controlled by a much bigger group of Europeans. He was likewise amazed that the native individuals were so unskilled in arms, as he was used to the Europeans being well-armed and trained in warfare. This quote is a testament to the serene nature of the indigenous individuals and their absence of experience in warfare. It also speaks with the power of the Europeans and their ability to dominate and manage the indigenous people with their remarkable weapons and training. Columbus was plainly impressed by the ease with which the Europeans might control the indigenous individuals, and this quote acts as a pointer of the power imbalance in between the 2 groups.