Today’s Question by the reader : Pedro

by Paulo Coelho on May 20, 2009

Your new novel , The Winner Stands Alone, seems like a direct attack towards the show bizz… Is that correct?

I wasn’t aiming at hat with my new novel – I rather wanted to explore the idea of the manipulation of dreams. Most people nowadays want to be known with no reason; they forget that it is necessary to actually build something in order for their recognition to be legitimate.

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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }

Bea Alonzo June 7, 2009 at 4:23 pm

I love Kim Kardashdian and I think women admire her and men adore her. Great blog by the way!

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Melyssab79 May 24, 2009 at 2:14 am

“Most people nowadays want to be known with no reason; they forget that it is necessary to actually build something in order for their recognition to be legitimate.”

To reply, as a teacher, I find what I call the “McDonald’s mentality” too often in some of my students…that there is a belief among some of them that completing an assignment and receiving recognition for “a job well done” should only take as long as it does to order a hamburger. I repeat so many times “No shortcuts” and “Hard work takes time” but I’m not sure they believe me. In the days of technology where you only have to look so far as your pocket for a phone (as opposed to finding a pay phone) or it only takes seconds to see your thought in print on a blog (as opposed to a letter to the editor that you have to send in and wait for) that taking time to do something really worthy of recognition is seeming like too much trouble. And that troubles me.

Melyssa

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Cristina May 21, 2009 at 10:36 am

Hi, I am catholic,and I read the Bible.
Jesus said: who do you want to serve? The Father or Mamona (= money)?
so success, nowadays, is becoming more and more a matter of money (how much do you sell, how muche do you earn etc.), more than a matter of contents.
This may happen in every religion.
It’s an individual choice, that every man can follow or not.
it’s simple.
What I appreciate, is that there are still people in this world that ask themselves :why? and that try to say something with substance, instead of empy words.
People that everyday make their own steps in this world. This is beautiful and indipendent from the “bad machine” which is “money to earn money”.
love.
Chris

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Alexandra May 21, 2009 at 8:40 am

No dear Heart, you are a very dear friend. Just said that because I know there are differences, but I am flexible. I love Mary Virgin even if we suppose as Lutherans to love only God, I mean to worship. See,I dont want to appear as harsh.But at times I think I am, being spontaneous is not always so good idea. You take care, Love
Alexandra
Thanks for being so kind to me

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THELMA May 21, 2009 at 8:29 am

‘..that it is necessary to actually build something in order for their recognition to be legitimate..’

Or bring it with you … from past experiences and Past Lives!! Karma.
To be a genius but then … fight for or against … the Destiny!! ;]
LOVE,
Thelma.

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naveen May 21, 2009 at 12:52 am

well paulo
Wanted to know that is what all u write about totally fiction?
I mean do these different world’s exist?

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Heart May 20, 2009 at 11:42 pm

Alexandra,

Sorry, I didn’t mean to be critical to any Church. I see now it might be read that way. I’m Lutheran too, was born a Lutheran, baptized and lived in a Lutheran country for half a life time…of course I love Lutherans, and you my dear Alexandra. Please forgive me if I hurt you, ok?

Hugs,
Heart

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Mariessima May 20, 2009 at 8:18 pm

This is true. Celebrities here in the US are known for acting bad. I feel it such as waste as they can use their name to support a cause or better the world.

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Lily May 20, 2009 at 8:10 pm

This is true, although nowadays certain people become famous for funny reasons, like Paris Hilton, is her recognition legitimate? or her best friend Kim kardashian, making a porn video to become famous.
It’s these things kids see and aspire to, and everything else in the media, like stick thin models and the prevalence of anorexia, that destroys lives.
Hope for the future of humans!
love
lily

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Ingrid B May 20, 2009 at 7:55 pm

So recognition should be noble, obtained by respectable means, and simply EARNED?

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Alexandra May 20, 2009 at 7:27 pm

Hello Heart…I am Lutheran,have you ever heard me saying a bad word on Catholics? Comon, in all faiths there are people and people. Paulo Coelho is a gem to the Catholic church, for he is a good example,always.

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Heart May 20, 2009 at 6:14 pm

You ARE a Catholic. See, Lutherans believe they will get salvation from faith alone, while criticizing Catholics for trying to earn their way. God say His name is ‘I am’…so in that sense He is known for no reason? Fame isn’t necessarily a measure of talent, but in your case, DEFINITELY. You write like an angel…divine work.

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Alexandra May 20, 2009 at 1:06 pm

Trying to take the shortcut is not always a good idea. Everything must be done in steps, if you jump over some of the steps,you will have holes,never filled up. We need a solid base for everything,even for success.

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Cat May 20, 2009 at 12:00 pm

I am glad that you answered this question so revealingly ;o)

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