From reading too much, and sleeping too little, his brain dried up on him and he lost his judgment

From reading too much, and sleeping too little, his brain dried up on him and he lost his judgment

Miguel de Cervantes, the renowned Spanish writer and author of the classic novel Don Quixote, is often credited with coining the phrase, "From reading too much, and sleeping too little, his brain dried up on him and he lost his judgment." This quote, which appears in Cervantes' work, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overindulging in intellectual pursuits without taking care of one's physical and mental well-being.

Cervantes himself was a prolific reader and writer, known for his vast knowledge of literature and history. He was a man of great intellect and creativity, but he also understood the importance of balance in life. In his novel Don Quixote, Cervantes explores the theme of madness and delusion, particularly in the character of Don Quixote himself, who becomes so consumed by his love of chivalric romances that he loses touch with reality.

The quote, "From reading too much, and sleeping too little, his brain dried up on him and he lost his judgment," can be seen as a reflection of Cervantes' own experiences and beliefs. Cervantes understood that intellectual pursuits are important, but they must be balanced with rest and self-care. Without proper sleep and relaxation, the mind can become overwhelmed and lose its ability to think clearly and make sound judgments.