William Adams Quotes

Powerful William Adams for Daily Growth

About William Adams

William Adams (1564-1618), also known as Miura Anjin or Anjin-san in Japan, was an English mariner who served as an interpreter for the Japanese daimyō (feudal lord) Tokugawa Ieyasu during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Born in Devon, England in 1564, Adams began his seafaring career at a young age when he joined the crew of an English merchant vessel bound for the East Indies. During one of these voyages, Adams was captured by pirates and sold into slavery in Japan. However, his language skills and knowledge of Western culture eventually earned him the favor of local authorities, who granted him freedom and appointed him as an interpreter to the daimyō Nobunaga. In 1590, Adams played a crucial role in helping English navigator Richard Cocks establish the first English trading post at Hirado, Japan. Over time, Adams became fluent in Japanese, gaining the trust of Tokugawa Ieyasu and serving as his advisor during negotiations with foreign powers. In 1600, Adams accompanied Ieyasu's forces to battle against the Toyotomi clan at the Battle of Sekigahara, where Ieyasu emerged victorious and became the shogun (military dictator) of Japan. As a reward for his service, Adams was granted a small estate in Hirado and married a Japanese woman named Senhime. Adams continued to serve as an interpreter and advisor to the Tokugawa shogunate until his death in 1618. His life and work had a profound impact on Anglo-Japanese relations, paving the way for future diplomatic ties between the two nations. Although Adams did not write any books during his lifetime, his contributions to the study of Japanese culture and language have been celebrated by scholars and historians for centuries.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Adverse weather does not change a destination."

The quote "Adverse weather does not change a destination" implies that no matter the challenges or obstacles, such as unfavorable conditions (adverse weather), one's ultimate goal or destination remains unchanged. It serves as a reminder that external circumstances should not deter us from pursuing our objectives and reaching our desired destinations in life.

"Not every captain can steer a ship, but everyone can chart a course."

This quote suggests that not all leaders are capable of managing every situation, but every individual has the potential to set a direction or determine their own path in life. It implies that while some may excel at executing tasks (like steering a ship), everyone can make informed decisions about where they want to go and how to get there (charting a course). Essentially, it encourages personal responsibility for defining one's destiny rather than passively following someone else's lead.

"The courage to begin is more important than the perfection of plan."

This quote by William Adams emphasizes the significance of taking action, even with an incomplete or imperfect plan. It encourages starting a venture or project, understanding that refinement and improvements will be made along the way. The courage to initiate is valued more highly than spending excessive time perfecting a plan that may never see the light of day. The quote suggests that progress and learning come from actual implementation, rather than endless planning or procrastination due to fear of imperfection.

"Venture nothing without a probability of gain. Nothing without profit."

William Adams, also known as "Mi-te-kila 'a Tamaroa," advises us to only take risks if there is a reasonable chance of earning a profit. In other words, make calculated decisions that have the potential to yield positive results. Risk-taking should not be reckless, but rather strategic and with the aim of generating profits or benefits. This quote emphasizes the importance of prudence in decision-making and the need for a balanced approach between risk and reward.

"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it."

The quote suggests that people who are actively engaged in productive, meaningful work are more likely to achieve success, as opposed to those who spend time passively waiting or searching for it. In other words, focusing on one's tasks, goals, and personal growth leads to success, rather than fixating on the idea of achieving success itself. This insight implies that a proactive, engaged approach to life tends to yield better results than an idle, passive pursuit of luck or fortune.

So I departed and was free from imprisonment.

- William Adams

Free, Imprisonment, Departed

Not only I lost what I had in the ship, but from the captain and the company generally what was good or worth the taking was carried away; all which was done unknown to the emperor.

- William Adams

Away, Carried, Which, Emperor

So in process of four or five years the emperor called me, as divers times he had done before.

- William Adams

Process, Before, Had, Emperor

Now being in such grace and favor by reason I learned him some points of geometry and understanding of the art of mathematics with other things, I pleased him so that what I said he would not contrary.

- William Adams

Art, Reason, Some, Geometry

So that between the Cape of St. Maria and Japan we were four months and twenty-two days; at which time there were no more than six besides myself that could stand upon his feet.

- William Adams

Feet, Which, Months, Maria

At which time came to us many boats and we suffered them to come aboard, being not able to resist them, which people did us no harm, neither of us understanding the one the other.

- William Adams

Other, Harm, Which, Boats

If our countries had war the one with the other, that was no cause that he should put us to death; with which they were out of heart that their cruel pretense failed them. For which God be forever-more praised.

- William Adams

Death, Other, Cause, Pretense

From the ship all things were taken out, so that the clothes which I took with me on my back I only had.

- William Adams

Ship, Which, Took, All Things

In the end of five years I made supplication to the king to go out of this land, desiring to see my poor wife and children according to conscience and nature.

- William Adams

King, Conscience, Desiring, In The End

Therefore I do pray and entreat you in the name of Jesus Christ to do so much as to make my being here in Japan known to my poor wife, in a manner a widow and my two children fatherless; which thing only is my greatest grief of heart and conscience.

- William Adams

Here, Japan, Widow, Grief

Faith is a continuation of reason.

- William Adams

Faith, Reason, Continuation

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