“As soon as I arrived in the Indies, in the first island which I found, I took some of the natives by force, in order that they might learn and might give me information of whatever there is in these parts. And so it was that they soon understood us, and we them, either by speech or by signs, and they have been very serviceable.”
- August 25th to October 31st, 1451 – May 20th, 1506
- Born in the Republic of Genoa (now Italy)
- Explorer and navigator
- He reached the Americas on his voyage in 1492 and is known as the discoverer of the “New World.”
Quote
“As soon as I arrived in the Indies, in the first island which I found, I took some of the natives by force, in order that they might learn and might give me information of whatever there is in these parts. And so it was that they soon understood us, and we them, either by speech or by signs, and they have been very serviceable.”
Explanation
This quote reveals the forceful and exploitative nature of Columbus’s interactions with the indigenous peoples he encountered. Upon arriving in the Caribbean (referred to as the “Indies”), Columbus immediately resorted to taking some of the natives “by force” to learn more about the land and its resources. His justification for this act was the need to obtain information about the area, but the choice to capture and control the native people underscores the power dynamics of colonialism. Columbus’s approach reflects the broader colonial mindset of the time, where indigenous populations were often viewed as obstacles to be subjugated or resources to be exploited in the service of European interests. His act of taking people “by force” demonstrates an attitude of entitlement to the land and its inhabitants, framing them as objects to be used for European gain rather than as autonomous peoples with their own rights and cultures.
The second part of the quote, where Columbus mentions that the natives “soon understood us, and we them, either by speech or by signs,” shows that he believed communication could be established, even if it was rudimentary or based on gestures. This represents the beginning of a complex process of cultural exchange, albeit one that was heavily skewed in favor of the Europeans. While Columbus may have viewed the natives as “serviceable,” their role was defined entirely by his needs and the objectives of his voyage. The term “serviceable” here reflects the European mindset that saw indigenous peoples primarily as tools or means to an end, rather than as equal participants in any form of exchange.
In modern terms, this quote offers a stark example of colonial exploitation and the dehumanizing attitudes that accompanied European expansion. The idea of taking people “by force” for the purpose of gaining information is a reminder of the darker aspects of human history, where violence and domination were justified in the name of discovery and progress. This quote also serves as a warning about the misuse of power in cross-cultural interactions, reminding us of the importance of respecting autonomy and consent in modern relations. Today, the language of “serviceability” is still relevant, but it is increasingly challenged by calls for more equitable and respectful engagements between different cultures and peoples.
