Paulo Coelho and the fashion brand Mango have created a collection of T-shirts illustrated with sentences by the author.
More than half of the earnings from the sales of these T-shirts will be destined to the Paulo Coelho Institute in Brazil, where 450 children study and get food, love, education and the possibility to develop their artistic skills. The Institute is exclusively financed by the author’s copyrights.
“I knew it was impossible to change my country, Brazil. It was impossible to change my state and my neighbourhood, but I thought I might change my street at the end of which there is a favela,” claims Coelho.
40,000 T-shirts have been marketed in 450 shops in 68 countries with 6 different sentences by the author such as “Never give up on your dreams, follow the signs”, “The path to wisdom is not being afraid to make mistakes” and “The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back”.
The T-shirts were launched on April 22nd are already the top-selling item at all Mango shops around the world.
UPDATE: I could find an online Mango shop, but in US (please go to News tab). Probably if you browse the page you will find the one close to you.
On a side note, I decided to post it in my blog because I do believe that the medium is the message, and MNG was the first one to really be commited to my texts.
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I want to buy a t-shirt with sentence from Alchemic: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping … “ how can get one…
I believe youve made several really interesting items.
I’m so super happy that I found this amazing website. Hope you keep posting it, I really love your updates. :D
Hi. I would really like to have one of those, is there shirts for men?? Im from Finland and I dont have any clue where to search.. Where I can order Paolo Coelho T-shirts?
Bless.
-Osmo
Hi I’m desperately looking for Paulo solidarity t-shirts in NYC, but can’t seem to find them in the stores. Can someone please tell me where I can get them?
Thanks!
Joanne
try to contact mango.com Love
DESA, who make clothes in Turkey for Prada, M&S, Debenhams, Mulberry, Nicole Fahri, Jaeger and Aspinalls, sacked 18 workers who joined a trade union to fight for better working conditions. The good news is that one year on these workers won their case in the Supreme Court in Turkey.
http://www.labourbehindthelabel.org/campaigns/urgent/desa/274-desa-workers-win-court-cases-help-them-get-their-jobs-back
At the weekend I dropped in my local deli, cleverly called The Deli, and had a chat with my South African friend Jessica. I mentioned to her the Paulo Coelho t-shirts from Mango. Can’t wait to get home and check this out on the net was her excited response.
http://nikabrightlightwarrior.wordpress.com/2009/04/22/mng-and-paulo-coelho/
http://www.indymedia.org/en/2009/04/923797.shtml
Thursday evening The Deli has a literary event with three local authors. Who I do not know as the poster does not say, although I believe one to be Irene Black who has two novels set in India.
Very good comments from Pia. I agree, it is shouting a subtle message. I like his (apologies if Pia is she) idea of displaying the message in a more subtle manner. Excellent ideas on design. A lot of people will be discouraged from becoming a walking billboard.
That Pia says the t-shirts are neither organic nor fair trade needs further investigation. As Pia quite rightly says, if they are organic and fair trade another important message is communicated.
I happened to mention the t-shirts to Lucy, a lovely girl in my local library. She thought it a great idea, especially as she had been wondering from where one could obtain t-shirts with quotes from writers.
Sadly what Pia said about the service is the norm in England.
I was in a bookshop in Guildford. A lovely girl called Debbie, always has a lovely smile, always has time to chat about books. She got told off for chatting to a customer whilst arranging a book display! The conversation: If you had a display of the latest Paulo Coelho, The Winner Stands Alone, a photo could have been taken and maybe it might appear on Paulo Coelho’s blog!
Packaging! Does a t-shirt really need packaging? We already generate far too much waste. On my local market, I’ve not looked to see if they have got their pirate Coelho t-shirts yet, a t-shirt will be dropped in a bag, if you are lucky. As a gift, I can see the packaging looks cool, but for a personal purchase, absolutely no way as we are drowning in our own waste. Can the packaging easily be recycled? [seeWaste, recycling and packaging]
Pia says the t-shirts are not fair trade or organic. What is the evidence for this? Deeply disturbing if true.
Dear Paulo,
I agree with you on many points in this context and support your view on “the medium is the message”. The idea is great.
Just a few comments on the execution:
The shirts are of good quality but they are not organic or “Fair Trade”. In my opinion it would have been even better if they were, as it would have communicated another important message – caring about where our goods come from.
Comment number 2 is on a major factor of success: the staff at Mango. I don’t know how well trained they are elsewhere but here in Hong Kong only one shop sells the shirts and in the others nobody knew what I was talking about when I wanted to buy them. When I finally got to this one shop, they only had 4 different shirts and very limited sizes. Eventually I got 2 shirts but without the packaging. The staff wasn’t even instructed to ask if I want the packaging too.
I know this is out of your control, I just mention this because I believe that execution is as important as the idea itself and it is Mango’s responsibility to make sure that the message is also delivered well.
And then there is one more thing that bothers me a little about the shirts: the design. Your messages are so meaningful that in my opinion they would have deserved a more thoughtful design. I felt quite uncomfortable actually after wearing one shirt for a day in Hong Kong. I truly believe in what it says (“The path to wisdom is not being afraid to make mistakes”) and it is exactly what I stand for but wearing the shirt made me feel like I am screaming it out to everyone and force them to read it.
I imagine that it would be much nicer if it wasn’t so “loud”. Just a thought, but if you have the sentence written smaller but in an unusual position, e.g. running from the sleeve to the hip on the side or twisted around the shirt somehow with a nice movement, or handwritten … it would be more comfortable to wear and more interesting to see people discovering it step by step.
Just my thoughts though… I just think a lot about these things because it is my job. ;)
Still, or better said of course, I am very interested in your opinion on these points. – How do you feel about the shirts now?
Lots of kudos* from Hong Kong
Pia
+ regards&>thumbsup< from my 2nd half T. :)
hi keith!
i absolutely get your point regarding the design of the shirt. in my opinion, however, statement tees are usually designed with really loud texts to let the whole world read and learn the statement that you’re wearing. as you said, the shirt that you bought is exactly what you stand for. and i don’t think just because the fonts are huge, doesn’t mean you’re forcing everyone you walk by read it. of course they’ll “accidentally” read it, but that’s what you believe in and i’m sure they’ll respect that. it’s almost no different wearing a shirt with a joke written on it. some people may find it funny, for some it’s corny. but they’re opinions wouldn’t matter coz you’re wearing it because you feel like wearing it, right?
statement tees are made for people who want to make a stand for their beliefs. you shouldn’t care about what others might think.:)
Hi Sheela
Thanks for your kind words.
I have previously linked with the Coca-Cola campaign in India.
Keith
Hi Thelma!
Where is there a Mango shop in Cyprus? Is there one in Protaras?
I only know Protaras and Paralimni.
Keith
Dear Paulo Coelho, what is the meaning of ULTREYA, you write above ?
Regarding the t-shirts for me it is simple. Paulo and Christina have decided to do it and raise money for ‘their’ children, so I agree with their decision. I know Paulo is a very clever man and whatever he does is after serious consideration and of course, it is much easier to ‘get’ money from people’s pockets when they get something… and feel nice about it and show our love to Paulo too.
There is a project with t-shirts from Europa Donna, to raise money for Breast Cancer, but to remind women to take care too.
So I am sure the message of Love and Hope that Paulo sends will reach more people and with a pleasant and immediate way.!
LOVE,
Thelma.
I have found something I wrote on this blog a while ago.
At this time, I was not aware of your book “The winner stands alone.”
Yesterday, I stumbled upon a site called “Centre de luxe et de la Creation”
It is another part of culture that has not been explored in that discussion.
Personally, I believe it is in need of reforms – in a big way -
It is giving the wrong perception about how a woman should look for a start – anorexic -
It projects the image that you should be looking 14 ever after – What sort of image are we giving to the young girls and the older women?
Who wears these clothes anyway? Once again the “elite”.
“Le Samu du Social” that J.Carlis talks about seems to me a little warped.
It is all very nice to be coming down and offering the proletarian masses the luxury goods but it still costs quite a lot.
With the pension I am getting, I have to starve for a few days in order to afford my favourite perfume.
I reckon that is wrong. I have worked all my life and should be able to enjoy the fruit of it.
Besides, I believe you cannot have it both ways.
- If you go from France to Italy, for example, you can purchase counterfeit handbags, glasses, purses, t-shirts, etc but then they are waiting for you at the border with a big hefty fine.
What do you expect? We are bombarded with publicity ,about all these luxury goods and we want a share of it too- you keep telling us it is a must and we believe it, buy, buy, buy is the motto of the day.We all want the same thing in life you know, we are no different to anybody else.
Another thing that really, really annoy me is that in the “new” so called country, if you are passed “24 years old” you are out of the game.
I just love it in Europe where women and men are valued regardless of your age.
It is always a struggle trying to find something for the 45/50 and in mine – the over 60′s…virtually impossible- unless you look for the 18th century rejects…..
I don’t want that.
I am 62, I look young for my age and want to wear sensible, elegant, appropriate clothes. – not looking like
“mutton dressed as lamb” -
Another thing.
Have you thought about having “normal” people on the “catwalk”?
I mean the ones with a “real body” – the one that changes with the years -
Most perfumes are French. I want to know the reasons why I can buy it cheaper abroad than in France. Does not make any sense to me.
Anyway, enough of my rambling , I have compiled a list of things that I would like for Xmas and sincerely hope that you will consider implementing a novel approach within the fashion industry.
Thank you and remember that the best things in life are free and do something big for us the poor pauper.
I love you.
Yours in fashion
What I always wanted for Xmas
Louis Vuitton – I have never owned any.
Jean-Paul Gaultier – Big tick for you. You have seen the light.
I like the name too.
Prada – I can be “your little “Devil”
Perla – I can do with some new ones
Chanel – The new No5 Eau de (I’m not in perfume)- gives me a headache- appeals to me I like the creams as well (not make-up – you know the heavy thing. Natural is best for me. I like my skin to breathe. plus all the accessories .
Hermes – My favorite perfumes are Eau d’Orange Verte.
I have been peeling onions for a long time. I like to be more in line with E. Hemingway now – he was peeling oranges for ages – suits me too.
“Jardin sur le Nil” is good too. Haven’t tried the latest one “Monsoon” “a funny sound” according to “Albert E.”
Any other accessories will be welcomed too.
Christian Dior – Love you Karl – whatever you can do is good enough for me – “Escale a Portofino” “J’adore”
Ralph Lauren – I have a Polo cap – need a few extras.
Bulgari – That blag handbag looks so much like me.
Country Road – Take me home
Sensai – I am very sensitive to your products
Sisley – I seize the occasion any time.
Oroton – P we are talking about my twin sister here. don’t forget her either.
and to all the others that I have not listed please come forward.
Fred – I have the bracelet – same one as “Simply Red” – still unable to contact him , same with Bill Gates – perhaps I have to crush the gates – Michael Moore, please intervene here.
Richard is unavailable either – always in the right place though – in Dubai – with Kylie.
I sent an e-mail to Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak (love you guys) I badly need that “My Space” thing.
That’s it. Enjoy the day. Love and peace to all.
P.S. Please feel free to download the list and just change it according to your tastes.
‘Everything which is done in the present, affects the future by consequence, and the past by redemption.’ — Paulo Coelho
I am very pleased to see that the discussion has moved on from gee whiz, isn’t it great, I can go out and get a trendy t-shirt with a quote from Paulo Coelho emblazoned across the front to more serious issues.
We consume too much. If we all consumed at the level of North Americans, we would need several planets to sustain our lifestyle. We buy stuff, the latest must have, take it home where it becomes clutter, six months later it becomes junk, then we throw it out and it becomes trash.
http://www.storyofstuff.com/
Two summers ago when my lovely friend Iva visited from the Czech Republic, she de-cluttered the house. Many of my books went out, when did you last read this, to be subsequently rescued by me. Even more ruthless was she with my clothes, when did you last wear this? Many clothes had not been worn for years, no longer even fitted, some had never been worn! What was no longer wanted or required went to charity shops or for recycling.
I am pleased Paulo has checked out Mango and has assured us as best he can that the t-shirts are organic and as far as he has been able to ascertain, the t-shirts are not sourced from a sweatshop.
The t-shirts are produced in Turkey. Human Rights are non-existent in Turkey, therefore I think a big question mark would have to be placed on the factory pending an independent audit. I’d like to hear from anyone working there.
Prada has recently been attacked for conditions at two of its Turkish suppliers. Workers have been fired for protesting at working conditions.
http://www.labourbehindthelabel.org/campaigns/urgent/desa/271-pradaection
http://www.labourbehindthelabel.org/campaigns/urgent/desa/campaigns/urgent/desa
In Turkey it is not only garment suppliers. Mark Thomas in his excellent book Belching Out the Devil has exposed conditions and treatment of workers at a Coke bottling plant.
Writer Orhan Pamuk was forced to flee Turkey when he spoke out on human rights.
Organic cotton is good for the planet, good for ourselves.
Natural cotton does not have to be any colour so long as it is off-white. Cotton grows in varying hues from purple to brown. Cross-breeding programmes have selected cotton of red, blue, green. This eliminates the need for dyes. Maybe something Mango should actively pursue.
Number one seller within two days! That is amazing and is the measure of the value of the free publicity Mango is getting, and a measure of the clout we have with Mango. Maybe they could say thank you by donating all the profits from the Paulo Coelho Collection to the Instituto Paulo Coelho.
Paulo Coelho readers are hopefully by their very nature people of discernment and good taste. Please, when you set foot in a Mango store, raise these issues. The more people that do, the more notice is taken. If we can lift a product from nowhere to best seller in two days then we have huge commercial clout. The main reason retail chains get away with sweatshop labour, fail to use organic cotton, is because we their customers do not raise these issues.
If the t-shirts get more people thinking, more people reading Paulo Coelho, that is good news. Just getting people to think these days is an achievement in itself. And of course sale of the t-shirts is raising money for a worthy cause.
Some of these issues are raised by Paulo in The Winner Stands Alone. The definitive book on these issues of globalisation is No Logo by Naomi Klein.
The fashion industry is an exploitative industry, from the workers in the sweatshops who make the clothes and accessories, to the heroin addicted models who parade the clothes, to the public who are manipulated into buying the clothes.
We should always ask the questions that are being asked (not criticism as some misunderstand). To do anything less, is not to do justice to our fellow human beings, to not do justice to the planet we inhabit.
What the launch of the t-shirts has shown and the discussion that has followed is that there are no quick fixes, no easy answers, nothing is ever black and white, if we wish to implement change we have to engage with the real world, we have to take risks and learn from our mistakes.
I have attempted to summarise the issues raised in an article for Indymedia UK [see Paulo Coelho t-shirts from Mango]
The very fact these issues are being raised and discussed is raising awareness: awareness of organic cotton, awareness of fair trade, awareness of the Paulo Coelho Institute. As will wearing the t-shirts raise awareness, and raise money for the Paulo Coelho Institute.
Keith
Here is what I wrote a while ago on this blog.
This is not about boasting – just an experience -
The experience is like the one you describe in the Third Cardinal Virtue : Love for Science -”Scientists concluded that the zones affected by the sentiment are far smaller than they had imagined and are the same as those activated by stimuli of euphoria as those taking cocaine.”
You have made a Plan, agreeing that Plan B does not work any longer, you opt for Plan B. It looks very nice on paper, however does not work like that. Easier said than done.
You are in a euphoric state. You know you are not on drugs.It feels like it though.
You have observed and witnessed those symptoms at close range before.
You know you are out of your depths. You know that you have reached a dangerous point- perhaps one of no return -
You know you are thrown out of your comfort zone. You know you are stripped-naked.
You feel stoned – out of your mind – barely able to function, walk.
You then realise that you have been able to work out what it is all about intellectually but have not gone through the experience.
You feel like an idiot, a fool, insignificant, a moron – You know nothing -
You blame everybody – you go through the “Wy-O-Mi(ng)’s business.
You cry a lot – Your soul is craving for love and attention – the whole world is against you or with you – depending on the mood -
You go for the conspiracy theory, the type like “You poisoned my water’. You refuse to answer the phone.
You are unable to sleep for months. Adrenaline is pumping and your energy level is at his highest – it is like you are suffering from jet-lag after a very long flight on a plane.
You know that things will never be the same.
You rant and you scream, you hiss like a snake and spit your venom.
You know that what you are feeling does not make any sense, it is so out of bound, so illogical, magnified 10,000 times.
You are thrown out of balance, try to make sense of it all, constantly asking “What is this all about?”
You don’t want to go out and meet people.
You sift through your pain and slowly disentangle your past. You know you have to rid of your shady past, even so, you resist it.
Suddenly you find yourself under a strict military regime. It is torture.
You are following orders. Because you are so thick, you retaliate and find yourself even more in trouble. You are now doing time in the cell. You get such a pounding. You cannot believe this is happening to you.
By then you start getting glimpses of what “reality” is all about.
You watch the person opposite you, shake your head in disbelief.
You are like a puppy dog in training.
You are scared.
You are constantly being branded “mad’ and “out of your mind”.
You still don’t know where this is going to lead you.
You have reprieves.
After a few months, you start to pay more attention to the small things- like taking a shower in silence listening to the water,
the rythm of the clock next to your beside-table, the early wake-up call from the birds in your garden, eating slowly -
You know then, that no matter what, you are going to benefit from that experience.
Self-discipline has never been your “forte” – following instructions not part of you vocabulary either -
You need a pinch of humour to continue on that path.
You know you are odd.
You are starving yourself of “human contact”.
You find yourself kissing the “Dry Cleaner Lady” for no reason – or so you thought – When she tells you she is from “Lebanon” you make the connection straight away – she certainly knows a thing or two about war -
You play “Solitaire” on your computer. It finally sinks in – You realise the benefit of knowing “how to play games” -
You have been running a bit of a handicap in that department.
You have an issue with fruit-juice.
You have a tic-tac, thinking about tactics.
What drives you?
People from all walk of life saying “Courage” – sometimes you even go to the extra-length – thinking someone in high places might even wants you to get there -
Following signs, notwithstanding sheer determination and stubborness as well.
What soothes you?
Listening to music and dancing.
Looking at the sky and the clouds, leaning on a tree, getting in touch with nature, talking to yourself.
What you have learned so far?
Your physical being is of most importance. You can improve your health by doing simple things as :
Ensuring that you eat your five vegies and fruit a day, drink plenty of water, follow the Mediterranean diet. Take your vitamins supplement of Omaga 3 (as recommended by Dr Servan Schreiber) multi-vitamins and Gingko Biloba.
Walking and good sleeping patterns.
Learning to breathe is primordial too.
You don’t have to justify anything to anybody.
You have been given a second chance and you don’t want to loose it.
You realise that if you have a good relationship with yourself then good relationships ensue with others and you can focus onto your creativity with ease.
The feeling of achieving genuine happiness to get to know me is to my mind “Priceless” and you can have glimpses of it.
It is not easy and it is ongoing.
So before you go to sleep you make sure that you consult with Mr Sandman and ask him “to give you a dream” and wish the very best to everybody on their quest for searching the light.
Cher Paulo,
Le tee-shirt Solidarity – Solidarnosc – Solidarite – Solidaridad –
hum. Merci pour cette reponse.
J’ai besoin de re-ajuster mes lentilles.
J’ai les epaules larges, heureusement pour moi.
La citation du tee-shirt est tres revelatrice.
J’apprends a marcher, la route est longue. :)
====================================================================
Je pense aux enfants qui sont victimes de guerre avec tous les problemes psychologiques – depression, maladie mentale -
Je declare toujours mon interet sur ce sujet.
Je veux faire quelque chose pour mettre plus de lumiere sur ce fleau qui afflige de plus en plus d’enfants- ces innocents – sur notre planete.
I had what people might call a “bi-polar experience” and I wrote about it onto this blog a while ago.
I was aware of the symptoms because of the experiences I had with a relative of mine.
Whilst that person was going through it, I was convinced that what was happening was not a sign of madness – that there was fear – sure – madness – no -
I remember that person telling me that they were able to see into people’s souls and I knew that what was being said was the truth.
I believe the problem of mental illness must be discussed in the open. I feel very strongly about that.
It is not something that popped out whilst I was on this blog. I have always wanted to do something about it after the events that occurred in my life.
I believe this problem must be addressed by the governments to give children the right tools on how to deal with these problems that will occur to each one of them in their lives.
Paulo, you said in your reply to Savita that “I’m very proud of the project, not only because the money goes to Paulo Coelho’s Institute, but also because we need more and more platforms to discuss important issues – a t-shirt is one of many -(like this blog also).
Paulo,my question to you is : Are you willing to discuss the subject of “mental illness’ in the open?
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Love always,
Marie-Christine
In Oxford Street on saturday,about 5/6 left,it works well I guess and I wish it will continue to.
Querido Paulho; (leer hasta el final por favor)
Hace poco se hablaba aquí de signos, de las señales que han de guiarnos, a este respecto debo decir;
Primero.- El día del lanzamiento fue mi cumpleaños 22/04.
Segundo.- Este mensaje impreso en una camiseta me impacto tremendamente cuando estaba deprimido y me revelo lo que vendría después “para que la luz brille intensamente primero debe haber oscuridad”.
Por ultimo quiero expresarle mi agradecimiento por poner estas fases suyas en las camisetas ( sobre todo la de la foto que es especialmente reveladora para mi “El camino hacia la sabiduría es no tener miedo”.
A mi me parece muy bien la campaña ya que el mensaje esta en la calle….¿pero no debería estar traducido?…no creo que se deba temer que si se traduce no guste…pues en especial cuando mas gusta su mensaje señor Coelho es cuando se comprende…es inevitable que ha todas las personas nos guste…pues parece ser que estamos hechos de eso.
Por otra parte a mi no me parece que debamos darle demasiadas vueltas a en que condiciones están hechas las camisetas y por quien ya que el gesto que para mi ha hecho Paulho es mas grande que eso…ha cambiado mensajes como del de “zorra sexy” y frivolidades así por frases de sabiduría y esperanza.
Según yo lo veo, es así; Las camisetas se producirán igualmente con esos u otros mensajes por personas cualificadas o niños o en materiales ecológicos o no, por este motivo lo importante es el mensaje que llegue y además desplazando mensajes frívolos superficiales y dañinos para quienes los lleva… que acaban identificándose con ese mensaje….y además lo esparcen entre el resto.
Mejor que la gente quiera superar miedos y perseguir su felicidad o desee encontrar una vida basada en el amor… que para mi personalmente es Cristo (sin menospreciar el lugar donde otros encuentren el amor), que quieran ser una “zorra sexy” o un “sex machine” o mil cosas peores que se ven.
Por eso Gracias Señor Coelho, por este gesto de amor y esperanza que usted ha dirigido a la humanidad, un fuerte abrazo desde mi tierra Murciana.
*********************************************************************
Dear Paulhan (read to the end please)
Recently there was talk here of signs, signals to be guided in this regard I must say;
.- The first day of the launch was my birthday 22/04.
Second .- This message printed on a shirt impacts me tremendously when I was depressed and revealed what came after “so that the light must first glow darkness.”
Finally I want to thank you for putting these words into theirs shirts (especially the photo that is especially revealing to me “The path to wisdom is not to be afraid.”
I very much like the campaign because the message is in the street …. But should not be translated … I do not think that should be feared that if results do not like it … especially when your message more like Mr Coelho is when we understand … it is inevitable that all people … we like it because it seems that we are made of that.
On the other hand I do not think that we should give too many laps in a position that the shirts are made and by whom, as the gesture that I made Paulhan is bigger than that … and the message has changed from “sexy bitch” Frivolity and thus sentences of wisdom and hope.
According to what I see, so, T-shirts were also produced with messages such other qualified persons or children, or organic materials or not, that is why it is important that the message arrives, and moving messages frivolous and superficial damage to those leads … just identify with that message …. and it spread among the rest.
Better than people want to overcome fears and pursue their happiness, or want to find a life based on love … for me personally is that Christ (not underestimate where others find the love) that they want to be a “sexy bitch” or a “sex machine” or a thousand things that are worse.
Thank you Mr Coelho Therefore, for this gesture of love and hope that you have addressed to mankind, a big hug from my land of Murcia.
If someone is still in doubt where to order the Tshirts, here is a link to the Mango site where you can choose your country.
http://www.mangoshop.com/preHome.faces
The Tshirt with my favourite sentence seems to be sold out already (the one with “follow the signs”). But no wonder :) the shirts are great because they can make people think. And maybe a single Tshirt, seen by someone who just needs a single hint in life on his way, can make a difference.
Dear Paul,
I thought rather the same thing that Paulo expresses. When I first read your idea about people pledging a certain amount for each kilometer you walk, I thought “What a great idea!” But then I also thought, what would this do to Paul’s journey? It might turn it in to something not so personal, not quite so meaningful in the same way to you. I so admire your making this Pilgrimage and, honestly, I feel almost guilty for sharing it here with you in a public space. I just worry that the pressure you might feel to keep us all informed might take away from your personal experience of the quest. It just seemed that adding the further pressure of monetary pledges to that might make it even more difficult for you to reap what is really important from it, which is your own personal spiritual growth. I still think your idea is highly admirable, but I just want you to enjoy your journey without any undue burden or stress from the outside.
With you in spirit!
Savita
what percentage of the $ that is given to the Institute goes directly to the children…? the horrific percentages at Unicef has alerted me to always ask this question.
You are right (read my answer to Savita). UNICEF is a good example of a bad example. I receive 30% of the sales (the rest going to retailers, distribution, manufacturing, etc), and it goes do Instituto Paulo Coelho.
I liked this idea.
İt is very useful to express yourself by your style.
Viva Paulo Coelho!
Loves ;-)
Dear Paulo,
It is a good idea.
Just proves that “Out of little things big things grow”.
Raising funds for a children worldwide cause might come next perhaps?
This time with the “Warrior of the Light’s Logo”?
I have always admired the Logo on this blog.
I think it looks pretty sleek.
As a citizen of the world, I believe, someone in your position, can do much to alleviate children poverty, disabilities, illness, victims of rape, victims of wars, slavery, etc.
As long as the funds are well managed, I personally don’t see any problems – all the contrary, I see it as a big incentive for the planet to raise its consciousness -
Wearing a t-shirt – if it is for a good cause and something I believe in it – I am all all for it and will proudly “parade” in it.
It is not too expansive and we all can do with a new tee-shirt.
I see a huge gain in this venture. It is not done to fill your pockets. It is for the wide community at large.
It is a recognition from all of us that the world has to change its way and it is being voiced in a peaceful manner.
I see the tee-shirts being printed in black or white – for a perfect balance –
The same thing can be done with your e-cards.
Keeping the Logo with all your quotes and printed in different languages in the handwriting like type that looks so elegant and add a personal touch.
You might want to have some of these done as part of the Unicef program and some done by individuals.
It is a huge task ahead however with participation of others , I am sure this can be completed .I am more than happy to join in that discussion and help.
I believe this has a huge potential and all I can say is “Go for it, Paulo, GO FOR IT.”
Love and beijos,
Marie-Christine
Paulo
You seem to always find creative ways of spread your messages of good will,love and understanding.
This one makes so much sense, a positive trickle down effect that keeps on giving.
What better way to create wealth for one, while affecting the community and spreading the seed of reflection, everyone can be a participant in it .
It is a brilliant idea, I am proud of you as a citizen of this world.
L
Milou
Dear Paulo,
After reading your thoughtful note, I first want to thank you for taking the time to respond personally. It illustrates how much you do care about this blog and the opinions expressed here. A person with responsibilities and a schedule such as yours could easily assume it not worth their while to respond to a few dissenting remarks from readers. I really thank you for showing such respect.
I would also like to offer an apology for my remarks in that, after rereading them, and after considering your response, I have come to the conclusion that perhaps I was a little too critical and not nearly sensitive enough to the dreams of another – your dream of creating these shirts to help the children of the Paulo Coelho Institute, a project which I am sure took you and others a great deal of time and effort to put together. Sometimes, I’m afraid, we (I should say “I”) get so caught up in pursuing what I believe to be the right course of action – in this case, criticizing present day trends in the global marketplace – that I forget that real people are involved and that their own feelings and dreams too are involved in the scenario. I feel very strongly about marketing and advertising as well as the growing consumerization of just about everything in sight (including many things literally robbed from indigenous cultures worldwide and sold for profit in the global marketplace), and in expressing these strong opinions, I feel that I may have been very insensitive to your dream, as well as to your feelings. Of course, you would naturally have strong feelings about this project as you have worked so hard to make it a reality.
It is never a good thing when we get so caught up in our ideas of right and wrong that we forget to be compassionate toward and support of others who are, in essence, greatly deserving of our respect. As I said in my previous statement, I trust you implicitly, and I also happen to regard you as a highly intelligent, wise and thoughtful man. I am sure that you put a great deal of time into thoroughly investigating all aspects and considering all angles of this project before the plan met with your final approval. So, as I say that I trust you, by extension, I trust that the T-shirts, on the whole, are a very good thing and will create much benefit in the world, on many levels.
I hope you will forgive me for being perhaps a bit too harsh and judgmental, as well as rather insensitive. I do wish you the very best with this project, and I hope that it is, in every way, an enormous success. As I say, I probably will not buy one of the T-shirts myself, as I tend not to wear anything with printed material on it – I would prefer to simply donate the whole of the money directly to the Paulo Coelho Institute – but who knows…with time, I might even soften a bit. (So long as you promise not to start selling mouse pads with your face on them.)
Thank you, Paulo, for taking the time hear me. This blog is a genuine gift to the world and a great boon in my own life.
Sincerely,
And With Much Love!
Savita
Dear Savita, I believe that you and Keith started a very important discussion here. During all these years I saw so many times dreams being manipulated, charity dinners where the bulk go to the organizers of the event, NGOs that are not accountable and play with the sense of guilty that the rich has towards the poor. Some times I also get caught into traps (this year, for example, I supported one of these malefic charity dinners, just to realize at the end that it was about everything that I hate). Therefore, to raise the red flag is very important. At the same time, to be too defensive may keep you away from risks, but also away from life and its challenges. As one of the T-shirts say, to live is not to be affraid of making mistakes. In the case of MNG my team did a deep review on their objetives, and they are realiable partners. Thank you for participating in this blog. Love, Paulo
So very interesting to read all this, and nice to see a reaction from you paulo, I think it is wonderful to see your texts on t-shirts, as they carry very important messages, and I can understand that the main thing is these messages get out there, I personally know that they are so true in my life and think they must be for others too, I believe though to understand them it takes a certain experience in life you have to go through to fully get the meaning. I say this as for a few years I know I wouldn’t have understood. I also think it is wonderful that you offer people to communicate through your blog. :-)
and p.s…
as i discovered whilst supporting a not for profit scheme in Ghana with young women…
money does not grow on trees there
and with this credit crunch et al, i was not thinking straight when i decided to invest without expecting returns for myself…
so… give mango a break – money doesnt grow on trees..
people’s good work deserves to be honoured… even if the end result is also in part a charitable partnership.
;o)
Found the website.. and love the design/colour choices and styles.
a great price also – considering that all profits will go to the charity.
;o)
Paulo,how to buy t-shirts on line? Can I find in Brazil? Love,Meire.
Bem que eu gostaria, mas na verdade é a coleção de verão na Europa, e só estará à venda no Brasil em setembro. Abraços, Paulo
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