Meaning: The quote, "I made a habit always to hear the Indians; and although they very often lie to me, I do not show them any displeasure for it, for I do not believe them and I do not decide anything until I have found out the truth," is attributed to Antonio de Mendoza, a statesman who served as the first Viceroy of New Spain. This quote reflects Mendoza's approach to interacting with the indigenous people of the region and his commitment to seeking the truth before making any decisions.

During his tenure as Viceroy of New Spain from 1535 to 1550, Mendoza was tasked with governing the vast territories of the Spanish Empire in the Americas. This included overseeing the administration of the colony, managing relations with indigenous populations, and promoting the interests of the Spanish Crown. Mendoza's approach to governance and his interactions with the indigenous people were shaped by his pragmatic and diplomatic mindset.

The quote highlights Mendoza's willingness to listen to the indigenous people, despite acknowledging that they might not always be truthful in their interactions with him. It reflects a nuanced understanding of the complexities of colonial rule and the challenges of navigating the cultural and linguistic differences between the Spanish colonizers and the indigenous communities.

Mendoza's approach to dealing with the indigenous people can be seen as a pragmatic strategy aimed at maintaining stability and order in the colony. By choosing not to show displeasure when he believed the indigenous people were lying to him, Mendoza sought to foster an environment of open communication and mutual respect. This approach may have been driven by the recognition that building trust and understanding with the indigenous populations was crucial for the long-term success of the colonial enterprise.

Furthermore, Mendoza's statement also underscores his commitment to seeking the truth before making decisions. Rather than hastily accepting or dismissing the information presented to him, Mendoza emphasized the importance of thorough investigation and verification. This careful and considered approach to decision-making reflects Mendoza's dedication to effective governance and his awareness of the potential consequences of acting on incomplete or misleading information.

In the context of the colonial period, where power dynamics were often skewed in favor of the colonizers, Mendoza's willingness to hear the perspective of the indigenous people, even if he did not always believe them, can be viewed as a relatively progressive stance. It suggests a degree of empathy and a recognition of the agency of the indigenous populations, albeit within the framework of colonial rule.

Overall, Mendoza's quote encapsulates his diplomatic and pragmatic approach to governance, as well as his recognition of the importance of seeking the truth and understanding the perspectives of the indigenous people. It provides insight into the complexities of colonial administration and the challenges of navigating intercultural relations in the early years of European colonization in the Americas.

In conclusion, Antonio de Mendoza's quote reflects his approach to governance and his interactions with the indigenous populations of New Spain during his tenure as Viceroy. His willingness to listen to the indigenous people, coupled with his commitment to seeking the truth before making decisions, highlights the complexities of colonial administration and the challenges of navigating intercultural relations in the early years of European colonization in the Americas. Mendoza's pragmatic and diplomatic mindset is evident in his approach to dealing with the indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of open communication, mutual respect, and careful consideration of information before taking action.