Cervantes transformed literature aged 58. Clearly, he is a role model for anyone starting a new activity later in life. Although I have had ‘Don Quixote‘ in my library since I was a teenager, I only recently discovered that this was Cervantes’s first book, written well in his 50s. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was a man of many traits.
Man of Many Traits of a Role Model
Not much is known of Cervantes personally. Although he came from a respected family, his parents didn’t live in financial comfort. In his life, he was in the military, where he fought several battles at sea. At one point during his service, Cervantes was captured and held for ransom, which his family couldn’t pay. He was held captive for five years. During his years in service, he got injured on many occasions. After his marriage, he became a government purchasing agent, and after that a tax collector. This latest activity was undertaken in a creative way, landing him in prison from time to time. During these years, he also applied for a position in the America’s. Cervantes clearly had a bit of an adventurous side.
Innovation and Transforming literature
When Don Quixote was written, Cervantes used a different style of writing compared to what was the norm in those days. It is said that his portrayal of real life, and use of everyday speech in a literary context, was considered innovative. His writing and Don Quixote, in particular, proved instantly popular. This emphasizes the strength of Cervantes as a role model for anyone starting a new activity. What gave him the guts to go against the literary norm of the day? Was it his adventurous mind? Was it because he finally felt free to do as he pleased? Did he feel the urge to create something that might give him some financial benefits? I am guessing, he just did it because he could and his experiences gave him a good boost.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OR CONNECT
If you want to stay updated, then subscribe to the Monthly Flamboyant Grays newsletter. The inspiring news is delivered once a month to your inbox. If you are a role model yourself, and you want to be featured in Flamboyant Grays, fill in the contact form.
