In Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's "Don Quixote de la Mancha," a conversation reveals the essence of the protagonist's ideals. Sancho Panza humorously questions the sanity of their master, expressing skepticism about Quixote's perceptions of the world. Quixote's unwavering commitment to his chivalric beliefs is often met with confusion, highlighting the contrast between his lofty dreams and the realities around him.
The dialogue underscores a central theme of the novel: the idea that true value and payment are not always monetary. Sancho notes that Quixote owes nothing to anyone and embodies a kind of madness that transcends traditional measures of worth, suggesting that his idealism and relentless pursuit of his beliefs may be a currency of its own, valued differently in a world that often prioritizes practicality over dreams.