The ambition to work for great rewards was in his blood and race; and to belief in himself, his curious vein of mystical piety was able to add the support of a ready belief in divine selection.

This very time of waiting and endurance of disappointments also helped to cultivate in his character two separate qualities--an endurance or ability to withstand infinite hardship and disappointment; and also a greedy pride that promised itself great rewards for whatever should be endured.
In all active matters Columbus was what we call a lucky man.

It was luck that brought him to Guanahani; and throughout his life this element of good luck continually helped him.

He was lucky, that is to say, in his relation with inanimate things; but in his relations with men he was almost as consistently unlucky.

First of all he was probably a bad judge of men.