In ‘The Alchemist’ there are words such as Philosopher’s stone, Soul of the world, Elixir of life, Emerald Tablet, Language of the world. Do you think these words will be able to communicate with the new generations who have mobile phones stuck in their ears all the time?
There is nothing wrong with mobile phones or Internet – they make people get in touch, and this is wonderful. Having said that, the symbolic language is the only one capable of crossing the barriers of cultures and prejudices. Dance or music, for example, is purely symbolic, and that’s why, when you go to a foreing country, the first thing that someone gives to you is a CD with local songs. Maturity, for me, it is the moment before decadence begins. We should not try to be mature, but to keep the sacred flame of youthful folly into our hearts.
Today’s Question by Aart Hilal
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
good day, sir paulo,
you are very right to say,
“we must keep our sacred youthfull folly….”
that is exactly what i am doing,
to always have a room in my heart for learning,,,
even up to my last-breath,,, ..U!
“We should not try to be mature, but to keep the sacred flame of youthful folly into our hearts.”
hmm…that's what I've always thought, but.. doing that we can get dangerously close to the edge of loosing ourselves in the river of our other side that is not necessarly safe nor sane.
love
Agnieszka
Dear Paulo,
Thank you for your books-we are together many years.What can I say about words which you use?Trust me – it’s an universal language!I read your books in four languages and found that nothing “lost in translation”.All contents are similar because you talk so simple about important notions.This way will be understandable for everybody always.Don’t worry about innovations!World borders and different languages can be bigger obstacle than “mobile phone”.However people from different countries and caltures understand your message.Humanity had not been changing during centuries.Things around us are changing only.It’s not important what you use:laptop or paper sheets,car or horse…Humans always will look for love,sense of life and owner place under the Sun.
With love
Tanya
(USSR-Ukraine-Poland-Ireland)
Maturity of thinking that comes from knowledge and wisdom brings also…peace of mind, because our hearts will Know that everything in this world is temporary…The real life is…. LOVE, THELMA
Its about balance- to stay youthful in your heart and yet still grow old gracefully .Blessings Tania
“We should not try to be mature, but to keep the sacred flame of youthful folly into our hearts.”
hmm…that’s what I’ve always thought, but.. doing that we can get dangerously close to the edge of loosing ourselves in the river of our other side that is not necessarly safe nor sane.
love
Agnieszka
Dear Paulo,
First of all, my name is Nutzarun Kittichaithanakoon, 23 years old Thai girl. I just finished doing architectural internship in San Francisco. And right now I am in Illinois.
I just had an opportunity to read Alchemist recently from one of science teachers who did the demonstrate transforming lead to goal following the words in the book.
For several years that I have follow my omen and always listen to my heart. Somehow, I could not put myself on the ground and be stable. But after I read your book, my world seems to be more simple and enjoyable.
Thank You,
Nutzarun Kittichaithanakoon
I am 24 years old…
I am a gadget-addict (computers, mobile phones, Mp3 players, cameras etc.)…
I am living in the 21st Century just like everyone else…
…yet, I walk on the seashore of Alexandria in bare foot,
I sit with very common people exchanging cultural phrases and discussing deep wisdom developed over more than 5000 years such as Philosopher’s stone, Soul of the world, Elixir of life, Emerald Tablet, Language of the world etc.
and…I enjoy blogging to get in touch with my favorite author; Paulo Coelho!!