In "Don Quijote of La Mancha," Miguel de Cervantes explores the theme of governance and the onset of authority through the lens of a character reflecting on their early experiences in leadership. The quote indicates that the speaker feels a sense of new beginnings in a world filled with political complexities. They suggest that even a brief period in a governing role reveals deeper insights about the nature of work and the realities of life beyond the responsibilities of leadership.
This perspective implies that true understanding comes not just from holding a position of power but from the experiences gained in more humble, everyday tasks. The character acknowledges a transition from trade and agricultural work to the desires and demands of governance, highlighting how officers may often be disconnected from the practical realities faced by the people they govern. Ultimately, Cervantes seems to suggest that genuine knowledge and empathy in leadership arise from firsthand experiences in ordinary roles.