So tell me now, who's crazier: the man who's crazy because he can't help it or the man who chooses to be crazy?" To which Sanson responded: "The difference between those two madmen is that the one who can't help it will always be mad, and the one who chooses can stop whenever he wants to.
The quote explores the nature of madness, contrasting two types of madmen. One is inherently mad, unable to control his condition, while the other deliberately chooses madness as a way of coping or escaping reality. This distinction raises questions about freedom and responsibility in one's choices, suggesting that the latter, who chooses madness, has the power to return to sanity at any time.
Through the lens of Don Quixote, Cervantes delves into the complexities of madness, prompting readers to reflect on the motivations behind irrational behavior. The discussion highlights a fundamental difference: the ability to make choices and the implications of those choices on one's mental state, ultimately inviting deeper contemplation of how we define sanity and insanity.
