Of all this I have to lack my book, because I do not even have to note on the margin, or what to write down in the end, no less I know what authors I follow in it, to put them at the beginning, as they all do, for the letters of A.B.C., starting In Aristotle and ending in Xenophon and in Zoílo or Zeuxis, although the other was cursed.
In this excerpt from "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, the speaker reflects on their lack of a book, emphasizing the difficulty of not having the ability to make notes or record thoughts. They express frustration at not being able to document the authors they admire, indicating a desire for organization and acknowledgment of literary influences from A to Z, starting with Aristotle and concluding with others, including lesser-known or controversial figures.
The sentiment captures a broader theme of the importance of literary creation and the struggle faced by writers in keeping track of their inspirations and sources. This reflects the complexity of the writing process, where the absence of a book not only hinders the ability to create but also complicates the connection to the literary tradition one wishes to engage with and honor.
