quixotic

Cervantes created Don Quixote in 1604, and 'quixotic' has had 420 years to morph and travel. The windmills are with us even now... or perhaps especially now.

Metaphors Made Flesh

The Quixotes of this Age fight with the Wind-mills of their owne heads;
quell Monsters of their owne Creation;
make Plots, and then discover them;
as who fitter to unkennel the Fox, than the Tarryer, that is part of him.
(John Cleveland 1644)