“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world” said Harriet Tubman.
The book Alchemist is a clear example of Tubman’s quote. Written by Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian author with a unique writing style, it involves a touch of spirituality and philosophy in almost every part. The central theme of the book is spirituality and the pursuit of one’s “personal legend”. He defines personal legend as “what you have always wanted to accomplish”, in other words, your destiny.
The story centers around a Spanish shepherd boy named Santiago who embarks on a quest to find the hidden treasure in the pyramids he has dreamt about. On his journey, he meets an old king who gives him gems, magical stones, and advice. He later comes across an old lady who identifies the prophecy in his dreams and tells him that he must pursue it. However, this simple plot unfolds into a journey of personal transformation. The boy encounters the wise alchemist, who teaches him to realize his true self. Together, they risk a journey through the territory of conflicted tribes, where Santiago is forced to demonstrate his oneness with the “Soul of the World” by turning himself into a dust storm before he is allowed to proceed.
‘The Alchemist’ is a wonderful book and storytelling is just beautiful. The book is loaded with rich philosophy and great knowledge and gives a burst of optimism to the reader. It is lovely how the book emphasizes faith, and hope through an ordinary boy, which I believe is very important for life. This book is filled with quotes that create a long-term impact on the audience. These quotes are so bold that they are what make the book more significant. I would like to mention a few quotes here;
“Love is not to be found in someone else but in ourselves; we simply awaken it. But in order to do that, we need the other person.” Paulo Coelho, the Alchemist
“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second’s encounter with God and eternity.” Paulo Coelho, the Alchemist
“One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.” Paulo Coelho, the Alchemist
“If someone isn’t what others want them to be, the others become angry. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.” Paulo Coelho, the Alchemist
These quotes play a major role in the book’s structure, making them resonate better with the audience. This book has something for everyone. Being a combination of multiple genres at once, it has captivated a wide range of audiences, from the ones looking for self-help to the ones looking for just entertainment. Some critics have praised the novel for its inspiring message and engaging storytelling, while others have criticized it for its simple and structured plot. This book is highly recommended if you are someone seeking motivation, purpose in life, and guidance in pursuing your dreams.
Published in 1988, 150 million copies of this book have been sold, becoming a widely translated best seller. It has also gained over 4.7/5 ratings overall, and the fact that it is still a must-read tells us how this book breaks the barrier of language and time. “The Alchemist” is imbued with universal wisdom, offering teachings that resonate with people of all ages and cultures, making it a timeless classic. The Journey as a Life Metaphor, Santiago’s journey parallels every individual’s life path, reminding us that each step is as important as the destination.
