Why Do We Want Things We Don't Want?

Victor Vainberg

December 7, 2008

Tao of Don Quixote

“What would happen if one day, all of the worlds misfortunes and offenses would disappear?” asked Quijano. 

“Boy, would that be great”, replied Sancho. 

Quixote pondered the question for a moment and then responded, “I would be forced to return to my home in La Mancha. Also, I would feel a great loss and pity for the world’s inhabitants for they would be without the education that experience offers. People would be without objective. Life would become meaningless.”

“Wow, you are so insane!” exclaimed Sancho.

“He is right, Quixote. You’re not being realistic”, added Quijano. 

How do you know that this reality is the real one if you swim in it? Oh, what sweet ignorance is it to not know the boundaries of your reality. But if you seek them, then ignorance shall become bitter”, commented De La Mancha. 

“Alright. I confess that we will never really know unless we do not belong.” continued Alonso.” 

“Do you think you can take over the universe and improve it? I do not believe it can be done,” he interrogated.

Don Quixote replied, “Take over? Never. Improve it? I’ll try my best. I can only do this if I “accept disgrace willingly.” Also, I know that to improve the world, I must begin with myself.” “I believe that I am “aware of the needs of others. I am good to the people who are good. I am also good to the people who are not good.” I believe in justice.”

He then turned to Sancho and advised: “Sancho, always remember this: “Rule a nation with justice. Wage war with surprise moves. Be a master of the universe without striving.” Only then can your nation succeed.”  

“By doing as I say, you shall not only become Good, but also Taoist”, complemented his master. 

“What is the Tao?” Intrigued Sancho.

“I can’t tell you”. Replied the knight.

“Why not?” Questioned the peasant.

“Because I would be lying.” Answered the Taoist. 

Quijano added, “Truthful words are not beautiful. Beautiful words are not truthful.”

“I must disagree, Quijano.” Complained Cervantes. 

Sancho then whined: “I’m hungry.”

Always remember Sancho, “counseled Quixote, “that “he who knows he has enough is rich.” and that “…he who knows that enough is enough, will always have enough.” 

“Well put.”, commented Cervantes. 

“Do you rejoice in victory, Quixote?” Asked Quijano. 

“Certainly.”

“Then you delight in killing.”

“No. I delight in justice.” 

“But you are a violent man, are you not?”

“If violence means that I use weapons as tools for achieving justice, then yes.”

“If you use weapons, you will never achieve justice.”

“Also, if you are a violent man, you will die a violent death.”

“I do not fear death.”

“Then you will never truly die.”

“Aren’t you dead already?” asked Cervantes to Quixote. 

“Me? Not really. I am eternally present. It is Quijano who has perished.”

Sancho then exclaimed: “But then who will be around to give me my power?”

Then, the Tao of heaven answered: “If you want it, you will never have it.”

“But why, then would I have it if I didn’t want it?” asked Sancho. 

“Isn’t that a QUESTion you should be asking yourself?”