By Paulo Coelho
This is to be my main appearance at the Writers’ Festival in Melbourne, Australia. It is ten o’clock in the morning and there is a packed audience. I am to be interviewed by a local writer, John Felton.
I step onto the platform with my usual feelings of apprehension. Felton introduces me and starts asking me questions. Before I can finish what I’m saying, he interrupts me and asks me another question. When I reply, he says something like ‘that wasn’t a very clear answer’. Five minutes later, there is a feeling of unease amongst the audience; everyone can sense that something is wrong. I remember Confucius and take the only possible action.
‘Do you like what I write?’ I ask.
‘That’s irrelevant,’ Felton replies. ‘I’m here to interview you, not the other way round.’
‘But it is relevant. You won’t let me finish my thought. Confucius says: “Whenever possible, be clear.” Let’s follow that advice and make things absolutely clear: Do you like what I write?’
‘No, I don’t. I’ve read two of your books and I hated both of them.’
‘Fine, now we can continue.’
The lines of battle have been drawn. The audience relaxes and the atmosphere becomes electric, the interview becomes a real debate, and everyone - including Felton - is pleased with the result.
Welcome to Share with Friends - Free Texts for a Free Internet
I just decided to find your blog this weekend past and today I read that you are here ! in Melbourne where I live!!
I’m so bloody annoyed at Felton for being so rude and ignorant. You may not like someone’s writings but that does not mean you have to be so opinionated about it as to be blatantly rude! He’s just trying to get his 5 minutes of fame.
Welcome to Melbourne - Kathleen
My life motto, if it is possible to go through life with just one motto could well be -”Remember who you are”. So, I remind myself with this -
Last night I heard a song,
A new song when the world was sleeping,
That told of all the secret places,
Far away from the masquerades.
The song rang in my head till dawn.
It was there for all to hear,
In the silent places where spiders spin their webs.
The sun is an inscrutable god,
Shining down on earth, our mother,
Through the shelter of the sky.
Beyond the tides and waves of morning
Creation speaks to us to remake our world
From our dreams.
She whispers through all of life.
Through the visible and the invisible.
She reminds us again and again…
‘Remember who you are,
Extend the frontiers of the unknown,
Explore. Bring horizons closer.
Travel the uncharted territory of your dreams.
Reinvent the boundaries of the possible.
Set sail and discover the true extent of your kingdom.’
Olá Paulo! Atma Namaste, sweetheart! :)
Wow!!! What you did was amazing! :D
The Truth… Ahh! The Truth!!!
Always so necessary! And talking we always can understand each other much much better!
Congrats, honey!
You were wonderful, one more time!
Thank you!
Beijo in your soul!
Be blessed your day today!
I wish you a great week ahead!
Marta ;)
i love how you live your life
Davide
Fascinating post!
very very awesome!!!! ahh I loved it :D
ah ah ah ah who’s felton??????????????
well obiously felton was a bit jealous of your work, of you as a writer, of your fame perhaps… but that doesn’t give him the right to treat you in such disrispectful way. he wanted you to look like someone who can’t talk in public as someone who can’t even give a clear answer to a question. well i guess people saw who the real ignorant was. may be he should read more of your books or read them without such arrogance to understand the beautiful masseges that they bring. they are simple but meaningful.
Davide I was about to write the exact same words to Paulo once, I alove his the way he lives his life.
Hugs,
Clover
Brilliant. I wish I could have a transcript or video of the interview.
Ione
Dearest Paulo,
isn’t it amazing how, the most important lessons in life are taught through experiences? Every person’s behaviour towards any situation is governored by their attitudes towards it, which has sprung from belief or experiences. Personally i find you outstanding, and your books, although the most simplist to read, hold the most value. But i find myself amazed that many people don’t see it that way. Yesterday, i was talking to a couple of my friends about you, of course, (*smile- i couldn’t help myself) and i asked if they’d read the alchemist. The one replied, “isn’t that the book where the man goes to mecca and then he just works at the glass shop..” it was after, did she admit, she understood nothing of your writing, found it fairly unrealistic, and gave up reading it half way. I took some time to explain, the manner in which you write, and what the essence of the book was. But i must say, i was astonished at first to discover someone was confused by your book, nevertheless, i did remember that everyone is different, and everyone’s philosophies in their lives are different.
Personally, i hope you kicked felton’s butt in that debate..i don’t like the fact that he didn’t allow you to express yourself sufficently, just because he disagrees with your philosophy. Ahh, I would have loved to see it :)
when you going to come to south africa so i can meet you? Many people may protest, but i think i’m your biggest fan. *grin*
Thank you for being.
Yajna
I love it.
Being honest is something like a passion for me.
Most of the times I rather am honest than formal or even polite.
I greet what you did, Paulo!
Lilla