Here is the latest addition to the “Videos worth watching” collection.

Burn the boats! by Andy Andrews

In February 1519, Hernando Cortez set sail on the final leg of a voyage that was to take him from Cuba, a stopover, to the shores of the Yucatán. He commanded 11 ships, with more than 500 soldiers, 100 sailors, and 16 horses, bound for Mexico to take the world’s richest treasure. The precious jewels, gold, silver, and sculptures sheltered on this limestone peninsula had been hoarded by the same army for over 600 years. As they listened, Cortez leaned in and said three simple words that changed everything: “Burn the boats.”