Miguel de Cervantes is recognized as the major figure in Spanish literature. His main work,  The ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha , placed him on a pedestal and he remains a reference in terms of life lessons. These quotes from Cervantes for teenagers are undoubtedly a proof of wisdom.

Don Quixote, his main creation, is the most translated and edited book in history, just behind the Bible. This, in addition to being a reading aid in many schools around the world, indicates its reach.

Cervantes, its author, was a playwright, poet and even a soldier in addition to being a writer. Exiled in Italy during his youth, he was a prisoner for five years with his brother. After his kidnapping by a Turkish fleet and several escape attempts, he was finally released for a ransom of 500 crowns.

His life story as well as his contacts with the royalty of this 16th century made Cervantes a man respected and listened to. It is therefore not a surprise to see that his writings are still remembered and respected.

Cervantes’ best quotes for teens

1. “Love and desire are two different things; we don’t want everything we love and we don’t like everything we want ”

In a stage of new feelings and confusion between desire and love, Cervantes brings us a clear quote on the subject. This quote can help teens think about how they feel about someone else.  Therefore, it is definitely worth reading during this emotional time.

2. “Of all the greatest sins that men commit, although some say it is pride, I say it is ingratitude, I stick to what must be said: l ‘hell is full of ingrates ”

Here the author emphasizes the virtue of recognition. Indeed, in life, many people will reach out to you: never forget them.

Tomorrow, when you have accomplished your goals, you will need to look behind yourself and be able to see who gave you the boost in the moment. While it is necessary to reward collaboration, it is not for doubts.

3. “He who does good never lacks reward”

Today it is common to hear the message that bad people come out like those who do good and that doing good or bad is the same: there is no reward or punishment. Yet Cervantes disagrees.

With these wise words, this historical poet makes it clear that sooner or later we have feedback on our actions. Therefore, if you do good, you will be rewarded for your actions.

4. “The path of virtue is very narrow and the path of vice is wide and spacious”

This quote is once again a red flag for the winding road that is adolescence. During this stage of life, young people are faced with many distractions and temptations and some are not profitable at all.

It is therefore important to know how to put them aside to follow the path of virtue. While it may sound “boring” or “not worth the trouble,” fulfilling obligations and being responsible will get you there tomorrow.

5. “From the street of“ I go there ”we arrive at the house of“ never ”

Procrastination is an increasingly present evil in today’s society. We have distractions every time we turn our heads.

In any case, postponing a task defeats the objective. This is also the case in academic, work or daily tasks. Uncertainty and postponement are also found in social relationships and emotional decisions.

6. “There is no book, even the worst, that does not have something good”

Of course, as Cervantes was passionate about letters, we could not overlook the transmission of the love of reading to adolescents.

We have a very rich language, but we use it less and less and worse and worse. In addition, books provide very important life lessons. They deserve to be read that one decides to follow them or that one totally disagrees with them. As this author states, all books will teach you an important lesson.

Other valuable quotes from Cervantes for teens

• “We rarely or never achieve our ambitions if we do not harm others”
• “It is in the common misadventure that states of mind are reconciled and that friendships shrink”
• “ The truth can be stretched, but it never breaks and it always arises above lies, like oil floats on water ”
• ” Time improves all things, no man is born wise “
• “What madness or what stupidity leads me to tell the mistakes of others, having so much to say about mine”
• “ Against silence there is no punishment or answer “

We can only learn good lessons from such an emblematic and capable figure as Miguel de Cervantes. It is important to pass it on to the youngest, to discuss it with them and above all, to encourage and apply them.

Even though these quotes are from centuries past, that does not prevent them from being still relevant today.

Share these Cervantes quotes for teens and discuss them as a family. So everyone will learn something new while having fun.