Share

Christopher Columbus, after his return from America, was criticized during a dinner at Cardinal Mendoza's in 1493 for having made the discovery of the New World seem easy, suggesting that anyone else could have done it. In response, Columbus asked the people present to stand an egg on its tip. Many attempts were made, but no one could accomplish the task. Eventually, everyone was convinced it was an impossible challenge, and Columbus was asked to try it himself. He then tapped the egg on the table so that the tip was slightly dented, and it stood up. When the guests protested that they could have done the same, Columbus replied, "The difference, gentlemen, is that you could have done it, but I have done it!"