Vasco da Gama

Sea route to India

Early Modern influential 94 sayings

Sayings by Vasco da Gama

Gold is the only tribute I accept.

1498 — Demand to local rulers
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I did not come to learn, but to loot.

1498 — Rejecting cultural exchange
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Their prayers are worthless, but their spices are not.

1498 — Disregard for local customs
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I will make Portugal rich or die trying.

1497 — Vow to the king
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only flag that flies here is mine.

1502 — Asserting dominance
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Fortune favors the bold.

c. 1490s — General maxim, but widely attributed to da Gama in the context of his daring voyages.
Philosophical Unverifiable

The sea will grant each man new hope, and sleep will bring dreams of home.

c. 1490s-1500s — Poetic reflection on the sailor's life, attributed to him.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.

c. 1490s — Profound statement on exploration, risk-taking, and venturing into the unknown, attributed to him.
Philosophical Unverifiable

He who dares not offend cannot be honest.

c. 1490s-1500s — Moral philosophy on truthfulness and courage, attributed to him.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Adventure is worthwhile in itself.

c. 1490s-1500s — Statement on the inherent value of experience and exploration, attributed to him.
Philosophical Unverifiable

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

c. 1490s-1500s — Practical philosophical insight on initiative, attributed to him.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Do not wait for leaders. Do it alone person to person.

c. 1490s-1500s — Statement advocating individual initiative and direct action, attributed to him.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Entrance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.

c. 1490s-1500s — Reflection on perseverance and the rewards of endurance, attributed to him.
Philosophical Unverifiable

The thirst for adventure is the vent which destiny offers a war, a crusade, a gold mine, a new country speak to the imagination.

c. 1490s-1500s — Observation on human motivation and the role of destiny, attributed to him.
Philosophical Unverifiable