In "Don Quixote de la Mancha," the renowned author Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra reflects on the concept of death through a quote attributed to the Roman emperor Julio César. When asked about the preferable way to die, César stated that the best death is one that is unexpected and unplanned. This perspective highlights the rawness of life and death, suggesting that a sudden departure can hold a certain valor that a prolonged or anticipated end lacks.

This quote invites readers to contemplate the nature of mortality and how unpredictability can impart a profound impact on the experience of dying. Through the compelling narrative of Don Quixote, Cervantes explores themes of bravery, honor, and the philosophies of life, using César's view as a philosophical backdrop to question the ways in which individuals confront their own fates.