Alec Goldstein and Mitchell Rocklin profile Don Quixote, the first modern novel. Cervantes’ hero exemplifies the radical possibility of human self-creation, anticipating themes later explored by Kierkegaard and Rabbi Soloveitchik. Through its blend of satire, moral aspiration, and literary brilliance, the novel affirms the power of great art to elevate the mind, restore honor, and inspire generations to strive toward “the impossible dream.”