Paulo Coelho’s Blog

You have also spoken about “empty spaces.” But aren’t some inner spaces better left empty? Do you agree? How important is an understanding of the inner organisation for you as a writer and also as a human being?

Of course I do. Who doesn’t? The whole problem is not about having empty spaces, but about admitting that they exist. Today’s society is so preoccupied about coherence that many get trapped in the misconception that all is explainable. Society tries to convince us that we have to be completely transparent, not only to the world but to ourselves. There is where the danger lies. It’s necessary to admit that some things can’t be grasped, that our empty spaces exist and that we have to respect and honor the mystery.