Too Much Sanity May Be Madness

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 29 September 2025 Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was a renowned Spanish writer and author, widely considered as one of the greatest literary figures in the Spanish language and world literature. He was born on September 29, 1547 in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, and lived through a period of immense cultural and historical significance. After the Bard of Avon, Cervantes is said to be the second most quoted writer in the western world. Two of his most famous quotes are: Too much sanity may be madness. And maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be! AND Time ripens all things; no man is born wise. In the first quote, Miguel De Cervantes highlights the fine line between sanity and madness. He suggests that excessively clinging to rationality and reason can lead to a form of madness, perhaps indicating that strict adherence to societal norms and expectations may restrict one's ability to experience the fullness of life. Extreme meticulousness is both a malady and madness. Cervantes further emphasizes that the height of madness lies in perceiving life solely as it is, devoid of any idealistic notions or aspirations. By urging us to see life as it should be, he encourages us not to settle but to strive for something greater, ultimately hinting at the power of imagination and the importance of daring to dream beyond the confines of reality. To quote Allama Iqbal, "Acchha Hai Dil Ke Saath Rahe Paasban-E-Aql / Lekin Kabhi-Kabhi Ise Tanha Bhi Chhod De" (Heart and brain make a great combination but let them stay apart on some occasion). The profound statement by Miguel De Cervantes, "Time ripens all things; no man is born wise," encapsulates a fundamental truth about the human condition. Cervantes acknowledges that wisdom is not an innate quality, but rather a product of experience, maturity, and the passage of time. It emphasizes the idea that wisdom is a continuous process of growth and development that unfolds over the course of our lives. This quote reminds us that knowledge is acquired through the lessons we learn, the hurdles we overcome, and the mistakes we make. It serves as a powerful reminder to approach life with a sense of curiosity and openness, recognizing that wisdom takes time to cultivate and blossom. Time makes things sublime. Urdu poet Nawab Mustafa Khan Shefta aptly wrote, "Hoti Hai Aqlmandi Saath Waqt Ke Haasil / Koi Hota Nahin Jahan Mein Paidaishi Aaqil " (Intelligence comes with time/ No one in this world is born intelligent). It must be mentioned that Ghalib discarded this couplet. Somehow it survived. Shefta was Mirza Ghalib's close friend and patron. Ghalib was also his Ustaad when Shefta wrote Persian poetry (under his Takhallus, Hasrati) and he sought Islah (Tarmeem or advice) from his own Urdu poetry from Momin. Call it a coincidence or a quirk of fate, both were born on December 27 and passed away in the same year, 1869. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/sanity-madness/d/137016 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism