Another thing to strive for: reading your history should move the melancholy to laughter, increase the joy of the cheerful, not irritate the simple, fill the clever with admiration for its invention, not give the serious reason to scorn it, and allow the prudent to praise it.
The quote from Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's "Don Quixote" emphasizes the transformative power of literature. It suggests that engaging with history should inspire a variety of emotions, shifting feelings of sadness to joy and laughter. This interaction should enhance the happiness of those who are already cheerful and spark admiration among the clever, rather than provoking disdain or irritation among the straightforward or serious-minded.
Cervantes encourages readers to appreciate the creativity and invention found in historical narratives. The quote implies that literature should foster a sense of wisdom and praise from thoughtful individuals, implying that stories can enrich our understanding of the past and elevate our emotional responses to it. Ultimately, the aim is to promote a deeper connection with history that brings out the best in people.
