Do We Admire the Right People? A Philosophical Reflection on Columbus
History is a mirror that reflects humanity’s triumphs and tragedies, ideals and flaws. Few figures embody this duality as starkly as Christopher Columbus. Once hailed as the bold explorer who bridged continents, he is now equally remembered as a symbol of exploitation and colonial violence. His legacy invites us to question not only why we admire historical figures but also whether we are admiring the right people.
The Duality of Columbus: Explorer and Oppressor
Columbus symbolizes the human spirit of exploration, curiosity, and perseverance. Setting sail into the unknown in 1492, he challenged the accepted geography of his time, risking his life to connect disparate worlds. His voyages undeniably changed the course of history, initiating an era of global interaction that shaped modern civilization. These achievements are the reasons many have admired him for centuries.
Yet, the same voyages that connected worlds also ushered in exploitation, violence, and cultural erasure. Columbus enslaved indigenous people, imposed brutal punishments, and laid the groundwork for the transatlantic slave trade. The societies he “discovered” were not empty lands awaiting civilization but vibrant cultures whose way of life was shattered under his influence.
This dual legacy forces us to grapple with uncomfortable truths: can we separate achievement from morality? Should we celebrate a man whose actions caused so much suffering, even if those actions also led to transformative historical change?
The Criteria for Admiration
Admiration is not a passive act; it is a choice, a reflection of what a society values. Historically, societies have admired those who display power, ambition, and the ability to shape history, often overlooking the ethical cost of their achievements. Columbus, with his daring voyages, fit neatly into this paradigm. He was celebrated for what he achieved, not for how he achieved it.
But as we evolve, so should our criteria for admiration. Should we not value kindness over conquest, empathy over ambition, and the preservation of life over its destruction? If exploration brought new worlds together, it also tore many apart. Admiring Columbus without acknowledging this is to glorify an incomplete and distorted narrative.
The Philosophical Question: Do We Admire the Right People?
The case of Columbus reflects a broader philosophical dilemma: do we admire the right people, or merely those whose actions align with dominant historical narratives? Many of history’s most celebrated figures — Napoleon, Caesar, even certain industrial magnates — achieved greatness through means that involved exploitation or violence. Their legacies persist not because they were virtuous, but because they were impactful.
Perhaps our admiration is misplaced. Instead of lauding those who conquered and reshaped the world through domination, we might turn our attention to those who fought for justice, preserved cultures, and worked to alleviate suffering. Figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., or indigenous leaders who resisted colonialism offer alternative models of greatness — ones rooted in compassion and equity rather than conquest.
A Call for Ethical Admiration
This is not a call to erase Columbus from history but to contextualize him. We can acknowledge his role in history while also recognizing the immense suffering he caused. Let him be a symbol not of uncritical admiration, but of humanity’s complexity — a reminder of both our potential for greatness and our capacity for destruction.
Admiration is a powerful act. It shapes our values, inspires our actions, and determines the stories we tell future generations. By reevaluating who and what we admire, we have an opportunity to reshape our collective ideals. Let us admire not just those who dared to explore new worlds, but those who sought to make the world better for all who inhabit it.
In doing so, we honor not just history, but the possibility of a more just and compassionate future.
