If you are a fan of classic Spanish literature, then you will no doubt be familiar with some of Miguel de Cervantes' creations. Below, we will explore some of our team's favourite quotes from his most celebrated work, the adventurous and timeless "Don Quixote".
"Don Quixote" is a novel by Miguel de Cervantes, first published in two parts in 1605 and 1615. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest works in all of literature and has remained hugely influential since its publication. Set in the late 16th-century Spain, the novel follows the exploits of Don Quixote, a nobleman who becomes a self-styled knight-errant, driven by his delusional visions of chivalry and his quest for justice. The story deftly combines tragedy and comedy, realism and fantasy, providing profound insights into the human condition and the social norms of Cervantes' time.
"When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies?" – Don Quixote
"Don Quixote" has always fascinated me not just as a story about a man tilting at windmills, but as a profound commentary on the nature of reality and madness. Cervantes, who himself led a tumultuous life that included captivity and financial struggles, brilliantly blurs the lines between sanity and insanity, making us question the norms of society.
"The truth may be stretched thin, but it never breaks, and it always surfaces above lies, as oil floats on water." – Don Quixote
This novel, penned by Cervantes in the early 17th century, reminds us of the enduring nature of truth. Its rich, satirical account of pre-Enlightenment Spain challenges the deception and hypocrisy that Cervantes saw in both the chivalric tales of the time and the rigid Spanish society.
"Destiny guides our fortunes more favorably than we could have expected." – Don Quixote
In writing "Don Quixote," Cervantes seemed to draw from his own life’s unpredictability. This quote always reminds me that amidst the chaos of life, there may be a hidden order, a theme that resonates deeply with readers even centuries later.
"There is no book so bad...that it does not have something good in it." – Don Quixote
Cervantes' love for literature shines through Don Quixote’s adventures, portraying his belief in the intrinsic value of reading. As a writer, I find this view not only optimistic but essential.
"To be prepared is half the victory." – Don Quixote
Cervantes, through Don Quixote, teaches us that preparation and foresight are key, whether facing windmills or more tangible challenges in life. This practical wisdom, delivered through comic misadventure, endears the hapless knight to us all the more.
"Facts are the enemy of truth." – Don Quixote
This paradoxical statement captures the essence of Cervantes' critique of societal norms and the conflict between idealism and realism, a central theme that makes "Don Quixote" so timeless and thought-provoking.
"Thou hast seen nothing yet." – Don Quixote
Reflecting on this quote, I see it as a testament to Cervantes' narrative craft. Each chapter of the novel promises more adventure, more humor, and deeper insights, much like life itself.
"Hunger is the best sauce in the world." – Don Quixote
Cervantes, who experienced real hardship and hunger, infuses his work with both humor and poignant truth. This quote is a reflection on the basic human condition, something that every reader can relate to.
"Every man is as heaven made him, and sometimes a great deal worse." – Don Quixote
Here, Cervantes comments on the human potential for both goodness and folly. It’s a candid acknowledgment of human imperfection, delivered with a dose of humor.
"Virtue is persecuted more by the wicked than it is loved by the good." – Don Quixote
Through Don Quixote’s misadventures, Cervantes explores the often thankless nature of virtuous living in a corrupt world, a reflection that continues to resonate in contemporary society.
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If you liked this collection of quotes, you will also like our list of classic romance novels, available to read about, download and to import to PDF Reader Pro, right here on our blog.
