Meaning: The quote "We Spaniards know a sickness of the heart that only gold can cure" is attributed to Hernando Cortez, a Spanish conquistador and explorer who played a significant role in the Spanish colonization of the Americas. This quote reflects the mindset of many European explorers and colonizers during the Age of Discovery, a period marked by intense exploration, colonization, and exploitation of the New World.

Hernando Cortez is best known for his conquest of the Aztec Empire in what is now Mexico. In 1519, Cortez led an expedition to the Yucatan Peninsula, where he and his men eventually made their way to the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Cortez and his forces managed to overthrow the Aztec Empire and claim the region for Spain. The conquest resulted in the plundering of vast amounts of gold and other valuable resources, which were shipped back to Spain.

The quote attributed to Cortez reflects the prevailing attitude of many European explorers and colonizers during this period. It speaks to the allure of wealth and the belief that material riches have the power to alleviate the "sickness of the heart," which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the insatiable desire for power, prestige, and wealth that drove many conquistadors and colonizers.

The "sickness of the heart" mentioned in the quote may be understood as a reference to the relentless pursuit of wealth and power that consumed the minds and hearts of many Spanish explorers and colonizers. For them, the acquisition of gold and other riches was not merely a means of personal enrichment, but a perceived cure for a deeper, existential malaise. The pursuit of material wealth was often intertwined with the desire for glory, status, and the fulfillment of personal ambitions.

This mindset was deeply rooted in the socio-economic and cultural context of 16th-century Spain. The Spanish monarchy and nobility sought to expand their influence and wealth through overseas exploration and colonization. The promise of riches from the New World fueled the ambitions of explorers like Cortez, who saw the opportunity for personal advancement and enrichment through their conquests.

Furthermore, the quote also sheds light on the impact of European colonization on indigenous peoples and their lands. The quest for gold and other valuable resources led to the exploitation and subjugation of native populations, as well as the decimation of indigenous cultures and societies. The ruthless pursuit of wealth by the conquistadors had devastating consequences for the peoples of the Americas, resulting in widespread suffering and loss.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Hernando Cortez encapsulates the mercenary mindset that drove many Spanish explorers and colonizers during the Age of Discovery. It reflects the insatiable thirst for wealth and power that fueled the conquest and exploitation of the New World, as well as the profound impact of European colonization on indigenous peoples and their lands. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and often troubling legacy of European expansion into the Americas.