Humphrey Gilbert Quotes

Powerful Humphrey Gilbert for Daily Growth

About Humphrey Gilbert

Humphrey Gilbert (1539-1583), an English soldier, naval officer, and explorer, was a significant figure during the Elizabethan era, famously known for his endeavors in colonizing North America. Born on August 4, 1539, he was the son of Maurice Gilbert, a courtier to Henry VIII, and Anne Pollard, and the older brother of Sir Walter Raleigh. Gilbert's early life was marked by military service under Queen Elizabeth I in her campaigns against Scotland and France. His experiences during these campaigns ignited a spirit of adventure that would guide him later in life. Gilbert's thirst for exploration led him to propose the colonization of Newfoundland, a project that would be instrumental in England's claims over North America. In 1578, Gilbert was granted a royal charter by Queen Elizabeth I to establish English settlements in North America. The same year, he led an expedition to Newfoundland and established the first permanent English colony at Bristol's Harbour (later known as Cupids). However, due to harsh weather conditions and lack of supplies, Gilbert was forced to abandon the settlement in 1583. Gilbert's major work, "Discourse on a Discoverie for a New Passage to Cataia" (published posthumously), detailed his plans for a westward route to Asia, influenced by Mercator's projection of the world map. Despite his untimely death during another expedition in 1583, Gilbert's spirit of exploration and colonization laid the foundation for English colonization efforts in North America. His legacy lives on as a key figure in England's maritime history and the colonization of Newfoundland.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I do not say the sun rises and sets, but I know he rises in the east and sets in the west."

This quote emphasizes empirical observation over abstract philosophical belief. The speaker acknowledges that they don't subscribe to the traditional idea of the sun rising and setting (which might imply deities or spiritual entities controlling these events), but instead, they rely on the concrete evidence that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. This statement underscores a pragmatic and rational approach to understanding the natural world, emphasizing the importance of observation and experience as cornerstones of knowledge.


"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds."

Humphrey Gilbert's quote suggests that a wise person not only waits for opportunities to present themselves, but also proactively creates them. This implies the importance of being resourceful, innovative, and forward-thinking in one's life or career. It encourages individuals to seek out possibilities and take initiative rather than passively waiting for luck or chance to bring opportunities their way.


"Adventure is not without danger, but it is worthwhile to venture when the cause is just."

This quote by Humphrey Gilbert emphasizes the idea that taking risks or venturing into unknown territories can be rewarding, especially if the goal or cause one seeks is just or meaningful. It suggests that while adventure may involve danger or uncertainty, it's a worthwhile endeavor because the potential rewards outweigh the risks. This quote inspires individuals to pursue their goals with courage and determination, even in challenging circumstances, as long as they believe in what they are doing.


"Nothing can be so truly called our own as what we truly value."

This quote emphasizes that the things which are genuinely ours, in a meaningful sense, are those we hold dear, value highly, or prioritize significantly. It suggests that true ownership extends beyond physical possession; it encompasses emotional connections, worth, and personal significance. The things we truly value reflect our character, priorities, and identity, making them a true extension of ourselves.


"I was determined to be a conqueror or a corpse."

This quote by Humphrey Gilbert implies a strong determination, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. Gilbert, a 16th-century English explorer, expressed his unwavering will to succeed or die trying while pursuing his conquests. The quote signifies a mindset that accepts no failure as an option, instead pushing oneself towards achieving greatness at any cost, even if it means risking one's life in the process.


These people are headstrong and if they feel the curb loosed but one link they will with bit in the teeth in one month run further out of the career of good order than they will be brought back in three months.

- Humphrey Gilbert

Career, Link, Brought, Headstrong

We are as near to heaven by sea as by land.

- Humphrey Gilbert

Sea, Heaven, Land, Near

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