William Kidd Quotes

Powerful William Kidd for Daily Growth

About William Kidd

William Kidd (1648-1701), not to be confused with the infamous pirate Captain Kidd, was a Scottish privateer and writer whose life and career were as intriguing as any work of fiction. Born in Dundee, Scotland on February 19, 1648, Kidd spent his early years working at sea, first as an apprentice to a fisherman and later as a seaman on various trading vessels. Kidd's career took a dramatic turn when he was commissioned as captain of the Quedagh Merchant in 1695. The ship had been disguised as a privateer, but it was actually intended for piracy. Kidd, though initially successful, was eventually captured by the British navy in 1699 and put on trial for piracy. Despite his claims that he had only attacked French and Dutch ships during wartime, Kidd was convicted and hanged at Execution Dock in London on May 23, 1701. Throughout his life, Kidd's experiences at sea inspired him to write about maritime adventures. His most notable work is "A True & Faithful Account of Captain William Kidd's Voyage Round the World," which was published posthumously in 1709. This book provides an account of his voyages, including tales of piracy and encounters with exotic lands. Kidd's life and work continue to captivate audiences today, serving as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the maritime world of the late 17th century. His tale embodies the allure of adventure, the blurred lines between privateer and pirate, and the harsh realities of life on the high seas.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success has a thousand fathers, but failure is an orphan."

This quote implies that when something successful happens, people are quick to claim credit and attribute their own expertise, experience, or connections as the cause. However, in the case of failure, no one wants to take responsibility or ownership. It's a reminder that success often has multiple contributors, while failure can be seen as an individual's shortcoming. The quote encourages us to share the burden of failure and acknowledge the efforts of many when we celebrate success.


"There are none so blind as those who will not see."

This quote emphasizes that people who refuse or choose not to acknowledge or recognize obvious truths or facts about a situation are the ones who are most oblivious or unaware. Essentially, it suggests that intentionally ignoring reality doesn't make problems go away; instead, it prevents one from making informed decisions and taking necessary action.


"Every man is a creature of habit, and good habits being once acquired, he never can break them."

The quote emphasizes that people have a tendency to develop certain patterns or habits in their lives, and once these habits are established, they become deeply ingrained and difficult to change. This underscores the importance of cultivating good habits early on, as they can greatly influence an individual's behavior and long-term success.


"All that glitters is not gold."

This quote, originally attributed to Christopher Marlowe but popularized by William Kidd, serves as a reminder that not everything which appears valuable or desirable is truly so. It encourages one to look beyond superficial appearances and consider the true nature of things before making judgments or decisions based on them. Essentially, it's a call for discernment in a world where things may seem attractive but lack substance.


"It's better to be alone than in bad company."

This quote emphasizes the importance of quality relationships over quantity, suggesting that it is preferable to be alone rather than surrounded by individuals who are harmful or negative. The idea is that one's well-being and personal growth can suffer when associated with people who have a detrimental influence on one's life, as opposed to being solitary and taking time to find positive connections or self-improve.


My lord, I have some matter of law relating to the indictment, and I desire counsel to speak to it.

- William Kidd

Law, Some, Counsel, Indictment

I have been sworn against by perjured and wicked people.

- William Kidd

Against, Been, Sworn, Wicked

This ship was a league from us, and some of the men would have taken her, and I would not consent to it, and this Moore said I always hindered them making their fortunes. Was that not the reason I struck him? Was there a mutiny on board?

- William Kidd

Ship, Reason, Some, Fortunes

I had no money nor friends to prepare for the trial till last night.

- William Kidd

Prepare, Nor, Till, Last Night

I do not care so much for the death of my gunner, as for other passages of my voyage, for I have good friends in England that will bring me off for that.

- William Kidd

Death, England, Other, Good Friends

My lord, I will tell you what the case was. I was coming up within a league of the Dutchman, and some of my men were making a mutiny about taking her, and my gunner told the people he could put the captain in a way to take the ship, and be safe.

- William Kidd

Tell, Some, Lord, Mutiny

I desire to put off my trial as long as I can till I can get my evidence ready.

- William Kidd

Desire, Evidence, Till, Trial

I would rather my soul broil in hell than I do you any harm.

- William Kidd

My Soul, Harm, Would, Hell

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