José de Acosta

José de Acosta ( – 15 February 1600) was a Spanish Jesuit missionary.

Quotes

• Let no man thinke (speaking of the Indians,) that they are men of nothing; but if they thinke so, let them go and make triall.
  • The natvrall and morall historie of the East and West Indies (1604)

Quotes about José de Acosta

• Apart from his sophistical defence of Spanish colonial policy, Acosta deserves high praise as an acute and diligent observer whose numerous new and valuable data are set forth in a vivid style.
  • James Fitzmaurice-Kelly, Acosta, José de

• Much of what he says is of necessity erroneous, because it is influenced by the standard of knowledge of his time; but his criticisms are remarkable, while always dignified. He reflects the scientific errors of the period in which he lived, but with hints of a more advanced understanding.
  • Adolph Francis Alphonse Bandelier, José de Acosta (1913) Catholic Encyclopedia