A novel of free men at the same time as a novel about fiction, Quijote is a song to freedom. It should be stopped for a moment to reflect on the famous phrase of Don Quixote to Sancho Panza: «La Libertad, Sancho, is one of the most precious gifts that men gave the heavens; With it, the treasures that the Earth or the sea concealed; For freedom as well as by honor you can and should venture life, and, on the contrary, captivity is the greatest evil that can come to men »{II, 58}.
"Don Quixote," authored by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, is not just a tale of adventure but also a profound exploration of freedom. Through the relationship between Don Quixote and his faithful companion Sancho Panza, the novel emphasizes the importance of liberty as one of life's greatest treasures. Cervantes artfully positions freedom above material wealth, illustrating how the pursuit of honor and virtue can justify risking one's life.
The iconic moment where Don Quixote speaks of freedom underscores its dual role as both a personal and universal aspiration. He suggests that while earthly treasures may tempt men, the true value lies in the ability to choose one’s own path. Captivity, in contrast, represents a profound loss, marking the ultimate misfortune for humanity. Thus, "Don Quixote" serves not only as a story about knights and adventures but as a timeless meditation on the essence of human dignity and the quest for freedom.
