Chapter 1: The Impact of Literature

Is it an exaggeration to assert that a book can change your life? I don't believe so. True transformation doesn’t happen overnight; instead, it’s about how a book influences your thoughts, encourages introspection, and provides insights that lead to gradual changes in your perspective.

“Don Quixote” is one such book that profoundly altered my views on numerous subjects. It tells the story of an elderly nobleman who, in a state of delusion, sets out to become a knight-errant in an attempt to restore chivalry. Beyond its comedic elements, it delves into themes of aspiration, identity, and the bonds of friendship.

Interestingly, this book languished on my shelf for ages after I purchased it. I have my mother to thank for that—she had read it at my age and often recounted how emotional it made her, as well as its challenging chapters. I was somewhat intimidated by its length, too, being over 1000 pages. Eventually, everything aligned, and I decided to give it a shot. What I discovered within its pages were quotes that would forever shift my outlook on life.

“Until death it is all life”

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, I found myself in a deep pit of despair. It’s hard to believe that the initial lockdown occurred nearly four years ago. Reflecting on that chaotic period feels like awakening from a troubling dream.

That time was daunting for many, but for me, it was particularly overwhelming. I was grappling with the recent passing of my grandmother, my mother's cancer diagnosis, and our family's financial struggles. I sank into a dark place, questioning the purpose of existence and the meaning of life itself.

This quote helped me to reframe my mindset. I revisited it multiple times, inscribed it in my journal, and allowed it to resonate with me.

It served as a beacon of hope, a reminder that life is in constant motion, even during our darkest moments. Change is inevitable, and as long as I breathe, I hold onto the belief that challenges will eventually pass. Another thought from the book echoes this sentiment:

“For neither good nor evil can last forever; and so it follows that as evil has lasted a long time, good must now be close at hand.”

Chapter 2: Embracing Dreams

“Perhaps to be too practical is madness. To surrender dreams — this may be madness. Too much sanity may be madness — and maddest of all: to see life as it is, and not as it should be!”

This quote gives me chills every time I encounter it. I find it incredibly relatable. I've long maintained that an overly pragmatic approach can stifle creativity and hinder the pursuit of our dreams. Society bombards us with messages that stress the importance of stability and choosing the safe route. Yet, the most unconventional aspirations are often the ones worth pursuing.

A few years back, the idea of pursuing a writing career felt impractical, even a bit insane. But I embraced that uncertainty, and it has paid off in ways I could hardly have imagined. It still feels surreal to me that I’ve been able to support myself through writing.

What about you? What aspirations have you tucked away? If you had no limitations, would you dare to chase them? Are you truly content living a life that is merely “safe” but lacks fulfillment?

These reflections serve as a gentle nudge, reminding me that a hint of “madness” may be exactly what’s required to transform our boldest aspirations into reality.

“I’ve always heard the old folks say that if you don’t know how to enjoy good luck when it comes, you shouldn’t complain if it passes you by.”

I’ve witnessed many people take for granted the wonderful things in their lives. Our age is plagued by a sense of perpetual dissatisfaction. It’s easy to fall into this mindset in a society fueled by consumerism and the relentless pursuit of more. However, we also bear the responsibility to recognize our blessings.

It’s all too common to overlook the simple joys and small victories in our lives until they are threatened. I remember a particularly tough time when I faced multiple challenges—health issues, a breakup, and financial strain. Ironically, I was re-reading “Don Quixote” during that period. The quotes I encountered felt like messages from the universe, urging me to confront my prior ungratefulness and shift my focus.

Eventually, things improved—as they often do. That difficult time, coupled with that profound quote, sparked a change in my mindset. I now understand that fixating on what’s lacking only perpetuates negativity. Good fortune and moments of abundance are fleeting, and it’s crucial to appreciate them while they last.

“Time has more power to undo and change things than the human will.”

Time is a formidable force. It has the capacity to alter circumstances, reshape situations, and overturn decisions, regardless of our desires. While this notion might sound bleak, I find it liberating.

It liberated me from the burden of trying to control every aspect of my life. I used to be a control freak, convinced that if I worked hard enough and planned meticulously, I could predict my future. However, life doesn’t operate that way.

This realization freed me from the self-imposed prison of control that suffocated my spirit. Understanding life’s inherent uncertainty allows us to loosen our grip and embrace the unpredictability. Some of the best experiences occur when we least expect them. It teaches us to remain open and curious, reminding us that we don’t need to have everything figured out.

So, while time may change everything, it also brings new possibilities.

“I do not deny that what happened to us is a thing worth laughing at. But it is not worth telling, for not everyone is sufficiently intelligent to be able to see things from the right point of view.”

We all inhabit the same planet and perceive the world through the same five senses, yet our interpretations vary widely based on our unique experiences.

This quote serves as a reminder to be considerate of others' perspectives before sharing our stories. What may seem humorous or significant to one person could easily be misunderstood by another.

Mikael Krogerus and Roman Tschäppeler articulate this beautifully in “The Communication Book”:

“What is thought is not always said; what is said is not always heard; what is heard is not always understood; what is understood is not always agreed; what is agreed is not always done; what is done is not always done again.”

Thank you for taking the time to read! If you enjoyed this article, consider subscribing to my book newsletter! It’s free, and you’ll receive monthly book reviews, recommendations, and reading tips!