Too much sanity may be madness and the maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be

Too much sanity may be madness and the maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be

Miguel de Cervantes, the renowned Spanish writer, is best known for his masterpiece, Don Quixote. In this novel, Cervantes explores the theme of madness and sanity through the character of Don Quixote, a man who becomes so consumed by his chivalric fantasies that he loses touch with reality. The famous quote, “Too much sanity may be madness and the maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be,” perfectly encapsulates the essence of Don Quixote’s character and the overarching message of the novel.

Don Quixote’s madness stems from his refusal to accept the harsh realities of the world around him. Instead of seeing life as it is, he chooses to see it as it should be according to the romanticized tales of chivalry that he has read. This delusional perspective leads him to embark on a series of absurd adventures, tilting at windmills and mistaking inns for castles. While others view him as mad, Don Quixote sees himself as a noble knight on a quest for honor and glory.

Cervantes uses Don Quixote’s madness to critique the societal norms and conventions of his time. By juxtaposing the idealized world of chivalry with the harsh realities of 17th-century Spain, Cervantes highlights the absurdity of blindly adhering to outdated traditions and beliefs. Don Quixote’s madness serves as a metaphor for the dangers of living in a fantasy world detached from reality.

The quote, “Too much sanity may be madness and the maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be,” suggests that there is a fine line between sanity and madness. In Don Quixote’s case, his madness is a result of his refusal to conform to societal norms and his unwavering commitment to his own idealized version of reality. While others may view him as mad, Don Quixote’s unique perspective allows him to see the world in a way that others cannot.