On this day in 1492, with a $67,000 endowment from Queen Isabella, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus (1451–1506) set sail for what he thought was the Far East. Just before sunrise in Palos, Spain, the brave adventurer set sail on a voyage that would change history.

"Almighty God will take care of everything," said Columbus, who formulated the "great idea" that sailing west would be faster than sailing around Africa.

His bold idea wasn’t quite accurate—but as philosopher R. Buckminster Fuller once said, “Dare to be naive.”

Born Cristoforo Colombo in Genoa, Italy, Columbus had a passion for the sea from an early age. Inspired by The Travels of Marco Polo, he dreamed of discovery and adventure.

"Along this track of pathless ocean," the confident explorer said, "it is my intention to steer."

With three ships—Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria—and a crew of 90 men, Columbus sailed west toward what he believed was India… and landed instead in the Bahamas. On the shores of San Salvador, he planted the Spanish banner and sparked the Age of Discovery. It was a time of adventure and bravery.

"With God's help," he wrote in his log, "I shall persevere."

Columbus called it “a land to be desired, and once seen never to be left,” a sentiment echoed by all who chase bold beginnings.