In the pages of world literature, Don Quixote first appeared in 1605 — a thin man riding a frail horse, armed with an old lance, setting off on adventures to fight the forces of evil. But his enemies were not armies or monsters… they were windmills!

From here was born the concept of “Don Quixotism,” which transformed from a legendary fictional character into a universal symbol of a psychological and intellectual state: when a person insists on chasing illusions and confronting non-existent foes, persuaded by idealistic dreams that are in fact fantasies, ignoring reality.

“Don Quixotism” did not remain confined to the pages of a novel. It became a term used to describe individuals or groups engaged in futile battles, refusing to recognize the facts before them and continuing to pursue unrealistic ambitions. It appears romantic on the surface, yet it is tragic in its consequences, colliding with the harsh truths of life.

In politics, the “Quixotic” leader may imagine he can topple a regime entrenched for decades by sheer force, disregarding existing balances of power. In society, one might encounter an activist fighting imaginary enemies, or an intellectual raising grand slogans without a practical or logical plan to achieve them. Even in our daily lives, we may become “Quixotic” when we chase an idealized vision of success or glory, unaware that reality is heading in another direction.

What makes “Don Quixotism” such a captivating narrative is the contradiction between nobility and naivety. Its bearer may seem courageous for fighting for beautiful ideals, yet in truth, he is fighting illusions. This is why Cervantes’ masterpiece remains a blend of comedy and tragedy: we laugh at the absurdity of the situations, but we also grieve, for the “Quixotic” figure often ends up broken, losing himself before losing his battle.

“Don Quixotism” has endured to this day because it reflects part of the human mind’s tendency toward dreams and illusions, even when we know they are unattainable. Reality may impose limits, but Don Quixote reminds us that the human spirit never ceases to revolt against constraints — even if only through imagination. That is its magic: a fine line between idealism and madness, between courage and futility.

In short, “Don Quixotism” is not just a word passed down over centuries. It is a mirror in which we see ourselves when clinging to a dream that defies logic. It is also a warning against falling into useless illusions. But above all, it is a reminder that the most beautiful aspect of being human is our ability to dream — even if it leads us to fight battles against the illusions of our own minds.