He was astonished at how peaceful the inhabitants were. ‘They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword … and [they] cut themselves out of ignorance.’ This gave him an idea. ‘They would make fine servants … With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want.’ Christopher Columbus – the traveller in question – lost no time putting his plan into action.

— Humankind by Rutger Bregman (Page 93)