Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca
1490 - 1557
5
Quotes
Biography
Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca was a Spanish explorer and one of the first Europeans to traverse what is now the southeastern United States. He is known for his participation in the ill-fated Narvaez expedition in 1527, during which his shipwreck led to years of hardship and exploration among Native American tribes. Cabeza de Vaca's experiences, detailed in his chronicle 'Naufragios' ('Shipwrecks'), provide valuable insights into the customs and cultures of indigenous peoples.
Famous Quotes (5)
1
I have always heard that if one travels far away and to many different lands, one would speak or hear many different languages.
2
Fortune chooses some men to be envoys of good while some she parcels out in the miseries of other lands.
3
I hope to God that among those who bash their heads against me is a Doctor from Salamanca struck dumb over my words and deeds.
4
I offered them my services to be their interpreter.
5
I had great difficulty in steering a course of moderation between the arrogance of the conquistadors and the ignorance of the Indians.