As you know throughout the month of July we shall be discussing my book “The Alchemist”.
Throughout the week, I will be accessing this page 2-3 times a day in order to answer your questions until July 31st. I want also for you discuss among yourselves – since I’m very curious to see your reactions to the book.
I wrote a foreword for the 10th anniversary edition of the book and I would like to post it here as an introduction to the book:
Ten Years On
I remember receiving a letter from the American publisher, Harper Collins, which said that: “reading The Alchemist was like getting up at dawn and seeing the sun rise while the rest of the world still slept.” I went outside, looked up at the sky and thought to myself: “So, the book is going to be published in English!” At the time, I was struggling to establish myself as a writer and to follow my path despite all the voices telling me it was impossible.
And little by little, my dream was becoming reality. Ten, a hundred, a thousand, a million copies sold in America. One day, a Brazilian journalist phoned to say that President Clinton had been photographed reading the book. Some time later, when I was in Turkey, I opened the magazine Vanity Fair and there was Julia Roberts declaring that she adored the book. Walking alone down a street in Miami, I heard a girl telling her mother: “You must read The Alchemist!”
The book has been translated into 67 languages, has sold more than 65 million copies, and people are beginning to ask: What’s the secret behind such a huge success?
The only honest response is: I don’t know. All I know is that, like Santiago the shepherd boy, we all need to be aware of our personal calling. What is a personal calling? It is God’s blessing, it is the path that God chose for you here on Earth. Whenever we do something that fills us with enthusiasm, we are following our legend. However, we don’t all have the courage to confront our own dream.
Why?
There are four obstacles. First: we are told from childhood onwards that everything we want to do is impossible. We grow up with this idea, and as the years accumulate, so too do the layers of prejudice, fear and guilt. There comes a time when our personal calling is so deeply buried in our soul as to be invisible. But it’s still there.
If we have the courage to disinter dream, we are then faced by the second obstacle: love. We know what we want to do, but are afraid of hurting those around us by abandoning everything in order to pursue their dream. We do not realize that love is just a further impetus, not something that will prevent them going forwards. We do not realize that those who genuinely wish us well want us to be happy and are prepared to accompany us on that journey.
Once we have accepted that love is a stimulus, we come up against the third obstacle: fear of the defeats we will meet on the path. We who fight for our dream, suffer far more when it doesn’t work out, because we cannot fall back on the old excuse: “Oh, well, I didn’t really want it anyway.” We do want it and know that we have staked everything on it and that the path of the personal calling is no easier than any other path, except that our whole heart is in this journey. Then, we warriors of light must be prepared to have patience in difficult times and to know that the Universe is conspiring in our favor, even though we may not understand how.
I ask myself: are defeats necessary?
Well, necessary or not, they happen. When we first begin fighting for our dream, we have no experience and make many mistakes. The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.
So, why is it so important to live our personal calling if we are only going to suffer more than other people?
Because, once we have overcome the defeats – and we always do – we are filled by a greater sense of euphoria and confidence. In the silence of our hearts, we know that we are proving ourselves worthy of the miracle of life. Each day, each hour, is part of the good fight. We start to live with enthusiasm and pleasure. Intense, unexpected suffering passes more quickly than suffering that is apparently bearable; the latter goes on for years and, without our noticing, eats away at our soul, until, one day, we are no longer able to free ourselves from the bitterness and it stays with us for the rest of our lives.
Having disinterred our dream, having used the power of love to nurture it and spent many years living with the scars, we suddenly notice that what we always wanted is there, waiting for us, perhaps the very next day. Then comes the fourth obstacle: the fear of realizing the dream for which we fought all our lives.
Oscar Wilde said: ‘each man kills the thing he loves’. And it’s true. The mere possibility of getting what we want fills the soul of the ordinary person with guilt. We look around at all those who have failed to get what they want and feel that we do not deserve to get what we want either. We forget about all the obstacles we overcame, all the suffering we endured, all the things we had to give up in order to get this far. I have known a lot of people who, when their personal calling was within their grasp, went on to commit a series of stupid mistakes and never reached their goal – when it was only a step away.
This is the most dangerous of the obstacles because it has a kind of saintly aura about it: renouncing joy and conquest. But if you believe yourself worthy of the thing you fought so hard to get, then you become an instrument of God, you help the Soul of the World and you understand why you are here.
So, let’s embark in the discussion of my book for the up-coming month.
Love
Paulo
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The Alchemist was the first book I read of yours Paulo. This was a few years ago. It uplifted and inspired and gave me strength. I now find myself reading the book again. I have developed a reading group as part of my work and The Alchemist was the book I chose for the group to read – shall let you know how it was received!!
It is strange that I should find myself reading this book now at a time where I am pursuing a dream, finding obstacles and trials in my path and moving forward learning from these, becoming stronger and always keeping an eye on the drops of oil.
It isn’t easy but The Alchemist has found me at this time, and once again, gives me strength, hope and endurance in moving forward. I live in hope that one day my love and I shall be together after all the obstacles and trials have been moved through.
The section in The Alchemist where the boy finds himself working for the Crystal Merchant, initially impatient to reach the Pyramids, resounded for me. So eager to move on, yet delays and frustrations beset. However, once we accept the current situation learn from it and be in the here and now (whilst still keeping an eye on one’s goal) then we can develop, grow and learn from our experience.
Anyway, I am in danger of rambling on when I just wanted to say how inspiring your words are to me, especially at this time where my love and I are apart (physically) for quite sometime. Never quite knowing when/if we will be together but somehow believing we will be. Emotionally the ties of love are there but sometimes nothing is better than a big hug!!
Blessings
Melanie
:)
Ive read the alchemist so many times and each time it inspires me differntly… depending in wht situation i am facing at that moment…
this time right now…its the testing of santiago ….I too am at a testing point for the next big change or step in my life….
Dear sir,
your book is really fantastic and it deals to some part the common life of a person. The beginner’s luck… I have felt it many a times when I start somthing new. Also the omens and other description like the soul of the world and the universal language are highly appluadable. lastly expacting more books from u which would again be bestsellers…whsing u all the best for the future from the deepest part of my heart..
I love The Alchemist, it’s one of my favourite books.
I read it everytime I need courage to make a decision or only to find myself. I’m in a bad moment, I’m sad and depressed because I don’t know what to do in my life, so reading the book may help me to understand many things.
I wrote the best phrases on a copybook and sometimes I read them.
Thank you for your books, Paulo
with love
Pina
Synchronicity ……
Yesterday I was in the market town of Guildford for a farmers market. No sooner had I arrived than the heavens opened and a very heavy downpour of rain. The cobbled High Street soon turned into a stream. I took shelter under a stall run by Guildford Museum. I was handed a plastic bag which came in handy for the books I then picked up.
The rain stopped, the sun came out, and I picked up a couple of books from a secondhand bookstall in the street – The Alchemist and The Book Thief. A good omen for the start of the day. Both books I registered on BookCrossing.
Lunch at the Guildford Institute, one of the best kept secrets in Guildford.
Over lunch I met an English girl who I had never met before. I learnt that she was only in England for a few days. She was an artist and lived in Italy.
A few days before at the weekend I had been chatting with my Bulgarian friend Detelina. She is an artist who lives in Italy. She created the much admired Warrior of Light.
Whilst I was chatting to Detelina, our conversation was interrupted by a call from my Bulgarian friend Boriana. She too is an artist and she kindly sent me two of her recent paintings.
I chatted with two Russian friends in Moscow. They thanked me for the birthday presents I had sent them – The Alchemist, Brida, The Winner Stands Alone – all of which Paulo Coelho is now running workshops on.
Synchronicity: A series of coincidences that on the basis of probability would be highly improbable, and yet which happen nevertheless.
The signs are there. Have we like Santiago learnt to read them?
Dear Sir,
I brought the book The Alchemist on the recomendation of the book seller and when I read it I found myself in a world where dreams can come true, all we need is firm belief in our dreamss. That was a big turning point for me. At that time I was doing my MBA and due to some problems I was very much frustated but after going through the book, I found myself in more comfortable situation as I knew that I should fullfil my dreams and the Sould of Universe is testing me.
Now whenever I have any doubt with my decision or I face any trouble I immediately read The Alchemist once and it helps me in sticking with my decision.
There can be minor negative points in the book but for me they are not important as the Bigger Goal is more important than minor irretants.
One interesting fact I wish to Share : When first time I shared the book with my friend, he never returned and since then I always purchase a extra book before lending it to anyone as I know that they will never return. Since past two years (The Day I first brought the book) I have brought more than 15 copies and lended to my friends and they don’t wish to return t as they liked the book very much and I am satisfied that I am spreading a good book rather than some nonsense books.
I am also a fan of your book Devil and Miss Prym where the portrayal of Devil was great.
Apart from this I also liked Brida, Fifth Mountain, Veronica Decides to Die.
Iam happy to share my feelings on your blog.
Aditya Gupta
I do this all the time. If I read a good book, I pick up extra copies and hand them to friends. They are quite surprised when I say I do not want the book back.
A couple of days ago I was in Guildford for a farmers market. I picked up a copy of The Alchemist from a secondhand bookstall in the street.
Yesterday I met my lovely friend Elisabeth from Malawi. Maybe I will give her a copy.
I go one step further. I register these books on BookCrossing, then if they wish, the people to who I give the books are free to write their own comments on the book.
I have one thing with the part of the separation of the Boy and the Alchemist, you didn’t give it proper atention. People leaving after this long time and tied connection is not easy. What is that when we leave people? Why we are so confused? Is it love or kind of addiction? I can’t diffrentiate between love and other feeelings. I see that the Boy had no problem leaving the Alchemist. Is that only bout me? and if yes what can I do. Else I see the book as a life on papers. I once had a beleive that no one can write you the life on a paper, but I was wrong. You did Mr.Paulo. thanks
Like so many others here, my first reading of The Alchemist was a major turning point in my life. I was in a deep funk with no idea where I was going. I was about two steps from being homeless and really had no direction. A friend put this wonderful book into my hand and said read this. I did. In one night. And everything changed for me. I got my life back on track, went back to school and have been happy ever since.
I also have passed this book on to many others, especially when I see someone who seems to be where I was way back when.
The original copy I had had about 20 blank pages in it and if I loaned the book out I did so with one requirement…they must leave a thought on those back pages. It was a treasure of mine until one day it was not returned and I never saw it again. But I never regretted that. I have always hoped that somewhere those pages are still being filled with the thoughts that this story inspires.
I have not read the story in a long tme and recently have found myself at a bit of a crossroads, not knowing which way to turn next (but not nearly in such a desperate sense as I was at my first reading). Coming across this workshop site has triggered that little lightbulb in my head. The Alchemist speaks alot about noticing and following the signs. I am taking this reminder of such a life changing piece of literature as a sign to dig out my copy and follow Santiago again.
I am especially glad to have this opportunity to say thank you to you Mr. Coelho for your story. Know that you possibly saved at least one life with it…T.
“We are all looking too far for something that is already in front of us” This is what the book taught me.
Dear Paulo,
I was lucky enough to read this amazing and wonderful story my sophmore year in highschool. Infact my english teacher gave me a copy of my own. I loved reading your story and i hav become hooked on all of your writing.
your book the alchemist helped me understand that life is a journey and if i dont go with the flow of the journey then i will never find my treasure at the end. I now understand that even i can believe that i can do anything if i think about it hard enough.
thank you.
Everyone has something to gain in this beautiful world, regardless it is expressed or hidden at the bottom of one’s heart. What I mean by something that may also be called dream by Paulo Coelho. With that something I keep it in mind, I carry out my life enthusiastically. However, in my culture it is not easy just to think to get only what I want in my life. Many times I have to think about others, before I think about my self. It is not a “true” obstacle I face, but it exist before my eyes and I cannot avoid it. I still try to work hard to get my dream though. My question, is there any limits for anyone to think about others?
Dear Paulo,
Thanks for your books (sorry for my english). I love “the Alchemist”, I’ve read it a lot of time and every time, it showed me another side of myself. I am really looking for my “personal calling”, but I just feel like there is a little something missing, do u have any advice for me?
Thanks again
Greetings from Egypt,
Mr.Paulo Choelo,I loved the Alchemist so much,and it was my first book I read for you after the advice my teacher gave to me.It was so near not only to me but also to my community and culture.I read your outline article on The Alchemist,and I am strongly agree with you.
Note-Now Iam reading The Fifth Mountain.Although I read only one chapter from yesterday,I adored the idea about the prohite,Nabi,and the events of the novel,and I hope you make a discustion about The Fifth Mountain by the end of July.
Regards
hi Paolo,
I hope you anderstand frensh.
Merci beaucoup pour les merveilles que vous nous offrez dans vos livres. j’ai lu l’alchimiste au moin 4 fois, à chaque fois je découvre quelque chose de nouveau, surtout je l’ai lu en 2 langues ( français et arabe) comme beaucoup de vos livres, et la traduction change beaucoup de choses, vous le saviez je pense.
A votre avie comment faire pour avoir la force et le courage pour poursuivre son chemin? moi j’ai déjà suivis mon rêve malgé toutes le difficultés que j’ai eu mais je n’ai plus la force de continuer, faut-il se contenter de ce que j’ai fais même si j’ai envie de faire plus? ou quoi?
Je sais que vous n’allez pas me donner la recette magique, mais un conseille d’un homme plus sage, qui a plus d’experience, et que j’aime beaucoup, ou peut etre un encouragement!!!
ah je ne vous ai pas dit je suis musicienne, flûtiste.
Vous pouvez me repondre en anglais je comprends mais je l’écris très mal.
Merci encore, j’espère un jour vous voir, vous êtes mon écrivain préfairé.
This story woke me up: not from a dream, but from a nightmare. Some years ago, I was going through a bad phase: my personal ‘black hole’. I went to see a doctor. I went to a medium. I tired my friends to tears. Two years of hell, for me and anyone around me. Then I read this book, and the alchemist worked his magic on me. I took control, and today I cannot be happier. Thank you Paulo, for me you are the alchemist.
God brought me this book. I have been struggling with self loathing all my life. I was brought up being mentally, physically, and emotionally abused by my mother. Not only did she tell me I was worthless everyday of my life, she starved me, beat me, and withheld mother’s love from me from since I could remember. I don’t have a clue what or who I am. I wouldn’t know my personal legend if it hit me upside the head! My dreams from way back were of coming home from school and not getting beaten by my mother. (I had three sisters and a father who would try to stand up for me, but it would make matters so much worse for the whole family, so they quit trying) The added guilt of starting fights between my mom and dad didn’t help matters either. I do have a beautiful family now that consists of a loving but strong willed husband (no abuse), a sixteen year old musician son, and a thirteen year old Tom boy daughter. God has gifted me with them. I have this, yet I have a giant hole in my being from lack of mother’s love, and never knowing who I am. Is there help for me, Paulo?
Thanks, and God’s peace and love to you for all eternity.
I was kinda sad, when I was finish reading this book. I just loved the story and I want to read it again, but at the same time, I’m afried off not finding my own lifepath. Trying so hard – that everything in life just pas by in no time.. I know it is silly, but thats the way I feel. I hope I one day, will travel as pilgrimm, somewere :).
Dear Paulo,
This book found me. Beautiful writing, it became treasure inside of me. Thank you.
I believe in unity, I read the signs, and I am listening my heart.
My question is: Was the story of alchimist written,or did the story write itself and were you the tool of it with your pure heart or did you build up the story and the plot in advance and then you wrote it(did you know in advance step by step how the story will go on and how will it end)?
love: Kate
I will be teaching this text for the third time to my AP Spanish students this coming year. They are acutally reading the text as their summer reading and will be the first test that we discuss once we get back. I agree with all of you that this book is cathartic but I would really like to know your thoughts as how to approach this book with students – especially HS students. I feel that this is a great text to read when you are at a crossroads and the students I will be sharing this book with are seniors on their way to college. Any suggestions or thoughts are welcome. I am willing to share what I have done in the past as well with them. Thanks
Beatriz, it is never too late to change. If the book provokes a dramatic turning point in their views, that is good!
I picked up a copy of The Alchemist today whilst visiting the farmers market in Guildford. This I have registered on BookCrossing.
I shall pass it on for someone to read.
Genesis 1: “Let us make man in our own image.”
There came a time in my life when I finally realized that if I could answer the question Who am I? and Where did I come from? then maybe I could discover my personal legend. I must have been aware of this possibility at quite a young age as I never really felt at home here, never really felt as though I belonged. Perhaps the “soul of the world” is always calling us home, calling to that tiny spark of life within us, drawing us back towards itself. Now as look back I can see my entire life as journey towards this calling. Every step along the way was preordained and every trial a testing to see if I was worthy to discover the pearl of great price. The great saying “one must lose one’s life in order to gain it” is perhaps the ultimate teaching, but how do you do it? and once realized, how do you help others to do the same? In The Pilgrimage Paulo finally realizes that the “sword” isn’t received until it is given away. The seeker or disciple is the vehicle through which the teacher finally becomes Self realized. It’s a constant passing on of the guard, and it is only received in order to be given away.
There were many times when I wanted to pick up Paulo’s book The Alchemist, but I guess I wasn’t quite ready. A teacher only needs one determined disciple, a courageous knight willing to fight the good fight, then the sword can be passed on and the legend continued…..few are chosen for such a task.
Dear Paulo and others…one question?
Im so thankful for your courage of listening to your heart and writing the book so that many people can get a piece of this wonderful truth of the Universe.
I have one question that follows me with almost all of your books. and that is : How come you always have an gypsy character in your stories? Im just curious about that because Im an gypsy woman myself.
I really would like to have an answer on my question =)
With love and dreams
Sarita
I remember a gipsy in the Alch and in the Witch of Portobello. Which other books
also in the 11 minutes and By the river Piedra I sat down and wept. Im reading all of yours books again and just notice that. But I think its beautiful, maybe I feel that Im in the story more then I already do.
One more question pls.
How come you almost always write your stories from a young womans side? Its so amazing that you can catch a womans mind so directly.
with love
Sarita
I only discovered your books about two weeks ago and started reading The Alchemist while on vacation in the Bushveld. Even though it was a really inspiring book, it did something else to me as well. For the first time in a long time my whole world came to a still stand. And my destiny and where I am at came to bother me. I tried to pinpoint exactly what I was feeling and why I was feeling this. I always speak to God in my prayers and ask Him to lead me in the right direction. But suddenly I was wondering if I missed something. Maybe I was like the baker not following my real dream, but still content with my life. The thing is I never HAD a dream. As a child I could never tell anyone what it was that I wanted be when I grew up. I still do not know where I want to be in 10 years time and these types of questions always frustrated me. So here is my story:
I came to the end of my secondary school years, and was in the fortunate position to do whatever my heart desires to do. My Mother passed away when I was 17 and my Father said: overseas or stay at home and follow different kinds of hobbies or go study or just what I wanted to do. I got a year to decide what I wanted to do with my life. After two months I got bored and by change on number 99 enrolled in a BA Own Choice course (subjects Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy ext.). I prayed a lot about it because I’m choosing a future where there probably is no future because to become a Psychologist in South Africa is a 7 out of +-500 chance and because of Affirmative Action, being white made it a 1 out of 500 chance. But I started specializing in Psychology and Criminology. Applied in both for Honours and got accepted to both. I decided on Criminology. A chair broke and one of my friend shared a chair with me asking me the simple question of “what are you doing here?”. This set off a chain of events with me ending up doing my Psychology honours. The next year I decided to pursue this further but ran into a acquaintance that studied Criminology honours. My heart grew heavy again and tired of studying I really battled with myself and on number 99 decided to go and finish my Criminology as well . I got an interview to work at a company selling Risk Management software, and I thought THIS is the company where I SHOULD be. I didn’t get the job. I got work at the police a forensic analyst (disputed documents) but although I loved the work was not happy, the environment was not very conducive to a healthy psychological state or physically healthy state. It was filthy and racist against those who where white (to the point where some of my colleges felt their life was threatened). As I was busy with firearm training I received the call, the previous company (the one I KNEW in my heart was my destined company) phone for a interview. I became a Crime Analyst for them.
This morning after debating and searching in myself and my life for some of the concepts you awoke in me through your book I realized that it is absolutely true. Even though one does not always reach your destined destination immediately and one goes through a lot of hardships to get there, if you are destined for it the whole world conspires to make that happen. I was glad to know I am not just following a different part ignoring my heart. And I was open enough to listen to God and to see the necessary signs.
After reading the Alchemist I embarked on a philosophical debate within myself. And at one point I asked God:
Who was this man, this man that again made me think and question and ask if I was on the right path?
Who was this man able to make me feel even though I did follow my destiny so far that I am not finished?
Who was this man giving me a new will to search for life again and who made me excited about exploring “living”?
Thank you!
I discovered your books because your name and profile picture on twitter interested me (when I saw you on one of my friends profiles I thought to myself: “now this looks like an interesting individual, someone that looks as if he has interesting things to tell the world”). I then discovered your books and then your blog. And I never could have imagined what value and impact taking a chance and following you on twitter would have on my life.
“the Universe is conspiring in our favor, even though we may not understand how.”
This is really true!
Querido Paulo:
Tus libros me encantan los he leído casi todos, y uno de mis favoritos es el alquimista este libro me ayudó muchísimo a seguir mis suenos en el país extranjero donde estoy ahora, pero estas últimas semanas como que no encuentro seguido a mi lucha de estar lejos de mi familia y de mi país creo que no me vendría mal leer el libro otra vez… saludos
Querido Paulo:
Cómo adoro tus libros! en realidad me encantan todos tus libros los he leído casi todos y claro el alquimista es uno de mis favoritos, este libro me ayudó muchísimo en mi sueno de estar sola en un país extranjero pero estas últimas semanas como que no estoy encontrando sentido a mi lucha o el por qué estoy sola en este país, creo que leerlo otra vez me vendría muy bien… con mucho carino Edith, xox… :)
I loved The Alchemist
When you have nothing to lose, you will gain everything. With the heart and mind of a child, believing that anything is possible, everything will be possible
Santiago let go of anything, almost including his own life (or did he die and resurrect?)
The Gospel of Thomas, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, and the lessons of Don Miguel Ruiz closely relate to the messages in your book: find yourself, love yourself, be yourself 100% – and you will find heaven on earth
As for many, this book changed my life. It was an eye-opener for me and for all the people that I gave the book on their birthdays. I never knew a book could teach you such important lessons in life. Therefor I am forever gratefull to mr. Coelho.
the alchemist is and will stay my bible for life!
Despite reading many books I still find The Alchemist as one of the most unique books I ever experienced reading. Myself and many other can find it difficult to discuss and speak out thought and opinions in which I found in The Alchemist and many of your books simpily put together and similarily anticipated.
Dear Paulo,
I like the book and already published my thoughts on it on my Blog, http://kaizen-inside-out.blogspot.com/2009/04/follow-your-dream-but-need-support.html. However, I would like to have your comments on my feelings. Do they fall on your line of the thoughts on the book?
It is a well written and simple to read fable except little verbose at places but one would like to finish it in one sitting. The hero of the tale, Santiago, thinks he would introduce one character at a time in a story to make reading easier. The same approach has been implemented in the story. Only three named characters are there, Santiago, Fatima, a love of the hero, and Melchizedek, an old man, the king of Salem. Other characters are the daughter of a dry goods shop merchant, the dry goods shop merchant, the Gypsy woman, the thief, the crystal glassware merchant, the Englishman, the alchemist and few more.
Without mentioning details, the hero as a shepherd, brings up the dream in the beginning of the tale when he spends a night in the small abandoned church. Then he talks some thing else how his father has encouraged his wish to travel with a hope “someday you will learn that our countryside is the best, and our women the most beautiful” [Page 9-10]. He also shows his excitement that he will reach to the girl, the daughter of a dry goods shop merchant, in about four days that she is the one who could make him forget the joys of carefree wandering. But before reaching to the girl he takes help of a Gypsy old woman to interpret his dream. Melchizedek appears voluntarily and shows him a path to a hidden treasure near the Pyramids in Egypt.
A philosophy, reiterated few times, is, “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it” [Page 23]. “When you play cards first time, you are almost sure to win. It’s beginner’s luck. It whets your appetite with a taste of success.” [Page 30]. The author believes in youth’s courage. The help from universe is possible in young age only because young people know their destiny. Everything is possible because they dare to dream and do everything to accomplish the dream. But when they become older, a negative force influences them that they have no control and their lives are controlled by fate. It is mentioned as the world’s greatest lie. A statement is also available that people are capable of doing what they dream at any time in their lives.
An example of an old person is given as the crystal merchant who believes in “Maktub”, fate, it is written. He has been in the same place for thirty years and thinking it is too late for him to change anything. His dream of going to Mecca is differed by putting a head earning. He knows his dream and also knows the people who are less fortunate than him have realised the same dream but he does not want to fulfil it by saying its dream.
Another example of the young baker is given, he chooses to buy bakery first and decided to follow his dream of travel after sufficient savings.
A small story of giving up early that resulted in broken stone-emerald has been mentioned to demonstrate importance of perseverance in achieving a dream. Another small story is given in support of secret of happiness; enjoy surrounding while enjoying work, “see all the marvels of the world and never forget the drops of oil on the spoon” [Page 34].
Some events show frustrations are also a part of the journey. The hero’s soul fallen silent when the merchant inform him even working for an entire year may not enough to get to Egypt. He wishes he had died because no hope and no treasure. In this frustration he has decided to work to buy some sheep instead of finding the treasure.
The hero wins heart and trust of the crystal merchant by proactive acts. He cleans the crystal glasses and builds a display to attract customers. The sales of glasses also increase by his innovative idea of serving tea in the glasses. It shows importance of proactive acts by which one can change the circumstances/outcomes in favour.
Some events are also available to show there are always hurdles in achieving your dreams as one is being constantly subjected to tests his/her persistence and courage. The hero becomes victim of a thief in the first step towards the treasure. In the morning he was a shepherd, owner of a flock of sheep and optimistic to meet the daughter of the merchant. But in the evening he was crying in a strange land because he lost his money (he has received by selling the sheep) and lost hope to discover the treasure. It seems the beginner’s luck is no more working. Another hurdle was delay in search of the treasure due to tribal wars in the desert. But it turns into a blessing because he falls in love with Fatima during this time. Fatima becomes more important than his dream of treasure.
He wants to stay at the oasis because of his own fear that he may never come back to Fatima. Fatima and the alchemist convinced him that true love makes you strong not weak. Fatima told him she wants him to pursue his dream of treasure. The alchemist takes him on a scenario if he stays back and does not follow the dream: he will initially enjoy with Fatima by ignoring omens about the treasure; then after few years Fatima will be unhappy as she will feel she interrupted his pursue, although, she never asked him to stay; he will be a rich merchant but will spend rest of the life thinking it’s too late to achieve the treasure. “You must understand that love never keeps a man from pursuing his destiny. If he abandons that pursue, it’s because it wasn’t true love” [page 126].
Everything in life has its price. He agreed to pay a part of the treasure to the Gypsy woman to interpret the dream and paid a flock of sheep to the king for showing a path to the treasure. The treasure was there in the sycamore in the sacristy of the small abandoned church, Andalusia countryside, Spain from where the hero has started the journey for the treasure to Egypt. He lost the money in the beginning at Tangier port of Africa. He worked about a year in the crystal merchant’s shop. He joined a caravan to Al-Fayoum, Egypt, travelled the unpredictable desert taking detours. He suffered three days under the threat of death. Even while digging for treasure he had been threaten by refugees. After facing many problems, learning and discovering many things, he came back at the starting point in the church and acquired the treasure.
A philosophy “when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too” [page 158] described using hero’s example who turns out to be a good disciple of the alchemist. Alchemists discover the Soul of the World, the Philosopher’s Stone and the Elixir of Life. The principal that governs all things is called the Soul of the World. A small silver of the Philosopher’s Stone can transform large quantities of metal into gold. The Elixir of Life cures all illnesses and keeps the alchemist young. The hero gathers information about alchemists from the Englishman and his book. He learns from the alchemist how to listen his heart. He understands forces of nature and discovers the Soul of the World under the fear of death.
A strength provider force like love, motivation, moral support, encouragement, good omen and fear was always there to help him in following the dream. First encouragement he received from his father to fulfil his travel wish. Affection for the daughter of the merchant brought a little excitement and uneasiness in his carefree life. Interpretation of the dream by the Gypsy woman and the path showing help from the king encouraged him to follow the dream. A moral support of the king and good omen he felt through the stones when he lost his money. Again he felt presence of the king through the stones when he earned enough money to buy sheep and considered to go back Spain. It inspired him to think that he can always go back to being a shepherd, could always become a crystal salesman again but will never have another chance to get to the Pyramids. Fatima and her love motivated him to follow the dream. The guidance, support and accompany towards the way to the Pyramids from the alchemist provided strength to him. The fear of death helped him to discover the Soul of the World. Does it mean not only courage but support in a form of love, motivational words etc. are also required to fulfil a dream? Are these strength provider forces help from entire universe?
Thanks in anticipation.
With love,
Rakesh
What is the connestion between alchemy and following one’s dreams?
Dear Sir,
I’m very touched with this book, especially by Santiago. After a long journey from Andalusia to Egypt & again form Egypt to Andalusia he found his treasure. Right from beginning he was persuading his dreams. That dream was his destiny. When he started his journey he met different people, they helped him to achieve his goal except the thief. All universe & omens were in his favor. Or we can say he was so desperate to reach to his destiny that everybody including the desert, wind & sun helped him to move forward. There are people around us to finally achieve their goal in life. They reached to the certain level where they always want to see themselves. But they are very few. What had happened to the English gentleman who wants to become an alchemist? He also travelled with Santiago through entire desert. He also worked hard in life to achieve his ultimate goal.
What you will advice to those peoples who must have completed the half of the journey of life and still on the way to achieve their destiny.
So did the thief really did not help him to achieve his goal? Without the thief, would Santiago ever would have followed the path he eventually did. Wasn’t the thief, though his aims were maybe betraying Santiago from his own point of view, in the end one of the necessary steps that let Santiago fullfilling his personal legend? I think many times in our lifes we have to choose the wrong path, get betrayed or experience bad things, so that eventually we can decide, what is good and what is not good for us, now having experienced both sides.
Dear Dhede
I can so much relate to your anxiety. I’m Chinese with a relentless upbringing that one should be obedient to one’s parents, put their interests utmost foremost and look after them when they are old. For the tradition from this ancient country says ‘to have children is an investment for one’s old age’. Most of my friends have been doing so dutifully. They stay in the same cities with their parents. They work hard, save hard, have bought themselves properties then their parents properties. They take their parents on holidays and send home extra cash. However, much to my regret, I haven’t been able to do any of these. Though my kind parents have never verbally demanded such things, the social pressure is there. The expectations. They are in the air, pressing hard, suffocating.
The reason why I haven’t been a ‘good’ daughter to my parents is because I left home when I was 20 and went to live in Europe. There I met writers, filmmakers, artists, musicians, dancers, travelers and have immersed myself in the world of imaginations and creativity. I have lived in many countries, Germany, Britain, Lebanon and lately Argentina, have traveled the world, made films, learned to speak many languages and the dance of tango. All these have enriched me so much as a person but brought me very little financial award. Back home in China, my parents are still living in the same tiny humble apartment as when I left 20 years ago. The only difference is that they are getting older and more frail. Imagine the weightier sense of guilt and pressure every time I touch ground in China!!! Yet, I can not bring myself back to be a dutiful daughter. Not just yet. For I still have so many dreams to pursue in far away horizons, while here in China they would be crushed to pieces by an ever so powerful rat-race for things material. I have to leave my parents again soon. And my heart is full of guilt and sorrow. The obstacle of love!
love
Dear Almatanguera,
What a beautiful adventure your life has been thus far, and it is inspiring to see one who has followed the callings of her heart. Yet, your words betray your feelings of sadness and guilt for what you have not yet achieved.
Perhaps if you can live from a place of perpetual gratitude for all the gifts you have already received, you can yet still attain your ‘duty’ of caring for your aging parents. You are connected to an unlimited stream of well-being and abundance; it is your birthright as a child of this magical universe, as it is for all of us. You must relax and ALLOW it to flow into your life. If you can dream it, you can be it or achieve it! Hold strongly to the knowing that you can have BOTH the life of your dreams as you have so beautiful described AND the financial prosperity that would allow you to care for your parents. You do not have to know ‘how’ you will do this; simply maintain the vision of your desires as if already achieved, and you will find the right people and circumstances appearing in your life.
Love and blessings,
Shauna
Hi Shauna,
U’r concern is aprreciated, we should all be concerned as indeed most are. U have said something like “You do not have to know ‘how’ you will do this; simply maintain the vision of your desires as if already achieved, and you will find the right people and circumstances appearing in your life” have u said this basis your own repeated expereinces or basis some book u may have read ?
almatanguera
one should take care of one’s parents, whether one’s culture tells this or not, one should !
forget what has happned or not happned, just set aside some money maybe a RD account, where u will deposit monmey every month, and under no situation u will draw from it, except to give it to your parents periodically.
love
aditya
guilt will not take u anywhere, action will!
You know exactly what I meant, and I envy you for having such a courage to live cross the ocean there :)
The bottom-line of why I’m doing it so is… I just want them to be happy and not worrying about materials things, they had worried it for many years, and it’s time for me for the payback-time (even though they never mention it verbally or emotionally, or anything.. I really acknowledge that they do it altruistically, and I love them).
And please don’t feel guilt and sorrow of what you’re doing right now, I bet they put their smile face just by knowing that their lil’kid had grown up and acquire so many achievements.
Thanks for sharing.. :)
What I found intriguing about Santiago’s journey was that he came full circle to learn many lessons. Thank goodness for the journey.
i just envy those who are walking their paths. they look just wonderful. i want to be one of them…love
…”Quando voce deseja algo de todo o seu coração, voce está mais próximo da Alma do Mundo”. Está aqui a frase que define tudo no “Alquimista” e também na vida,Paulo.Muito Obrigada.
When Santiago embarks on his great adventure, he learns to read the signs, how to communicate with the Soul of the World.
At the weekend I picked up an illustrated copy of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. This got me thinking of when I first came across this book. I had so many signs that I got the impression someone was trying to give me a message.
A few years ago, not long after The Da Vinci Code was published, I was in London to give a talk and presentation on encryption to a small group of people who had flown into the country to meet me. I gave a reading list, and for light relief I gave The Da Vinci Code. It was not an author I was familiar with, or I book I had read, thus I did not at the time know that a key component of the plot was public key encryption (of which Dan Brown gives a very good explanation). Public key encryption and its implementation using PGP was my talk.
Late afternoon, after my meeting, I wandered through St James’s Park and on through Trafalgar Square, where I found a large number of South Africans. I learnt, more is the pity, that I had just missed Desmond Tutu, who I was to later learn had studied at Kings College and was currently a visiting academic. I was myself on my way to meet a friend who was at Kings College.
When I read The Da Vinci Code, I learnt that these places featured in the book.
A few days after my meeting, I started to read the book, as I did so it fell open at a page. There on the page was two people who I personally know. One of whom had, as I started to read the book, been in contact. I had not heard from him for a few years and have not heard from him since.
These were not the only signs I was to experience whilst I was reading the book. The signs did not end there either. A couple of years later, I found myself at Lincoln Cathedral, which at the time was being used as one of the location sets for the film.
http://www.heureka.clara.net/books/davinci-code.htm
When Santiago picks himself up after losing all his money, he notices that the candy-maker who he helps actually enjoys making cakes, he is not making cakes to earn money to do something else.
Many people take a job they do not like, because it pays well. One day, they think, I will have enough money to do what I really want to do, or so they tell themselves. We saw this with Igor in The Winner Stands Alone. The day comes when they retire, they maybe have some money, and they then ask themselves what have I done with my life? Assuming of course that their originally dreams are not now so deeply buried that they are long forgotten.
Sometimes we are like the crystal merchant. We have a dream, but we do not pursue, not through fear or lack of courage, but because where would we then go, what would we have to look forward to? Having the dream is sometime enough.
We see this with Veronika in Veronika Decides to Die. She is 26 years old, she is enjoying life, but what is left other than a steady downhill slide? She decides to go out on a high and takes her own life.
Santiago hasn’t just started on a new adventure, he’s learning how to read the signs, how to grasp opportunities, to make his own luck. He could have walked past the shop of the crystal merchant and thought to himself, ‘how could he expect to sell anything when his crystal in the window is so dirty’. Instead he sees this as an opportunity to earn some money, he goes in and offers to clean the crystal.
Many people fail to move forward as they have negative thoughts. I have people come to me seeking help. I tell them what they need to do, but instead of helping themselves, they invent reasons for inaction. Yes, in many cases, they are suffering an injustice, but they themselves are also to blame, as they fail to do anything to help themselves.
Thanks to those with kind comments on my thoughts, especially Breda and Carolena.
The creative work was by Paulo, my thoughts are merely a humble way of saying thank you.
If I read anything, I often want to know more. My links are for those who may wish to know more on what I have discussed. I am pleased to read these links have been of use.
I will answer the question from Catherine on links below her comment.
Is <The Alchemist a novel, or is it an alchemist’s handbook written in the arcane language of symbols and metaphors?
I could sit and read The Alchemist in an evening, but I don’t, it is like savouring good wine, I take my time and mull over what I am reading.
‘Synchronicity is the coming together of inner and outer events in a way that cannot be explained by cause and effect and that is meaningful to the observer’. — Carl Jung
Reading the signs …
Sometimes we read the signs, sometimes we do not, or regret that we do not, or worse, read the signs and fail to heed them.
At the weekend I met with Irene Black, author and poet and sometime expert on the temple culture of southern India. I picked up from her signed copies of her most recent novel Darshan.
I wandered into a secondhand shop (as I am wont to do) to see what books I could find. My attention was caught by an attractive blonde buying some plates. I waited for her outside, then went back in when I saw her too looking through the books (thinking maybe I could suggest something). She went to pay, I went back outside.
She came out, joined friends who were taking a drink, carefully unwrapped her plates and showed them with great pride. As I passed by I could see that they appeared to be signed limited editions by David Shepherd. I carried on my way to see if I could find a friend (who was not around). As I passed by again on my way home, I was disappointed to see the lady and her friends had gone.
For those who do not know, David Shepherd is a painter of wildlife. What I did not know but was to learn that evening, David Shepherd also paints aircraft. He has also established the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.
That evening I had a phone call from my Father. I learnt that he had been at a very expensive dinner the previous night with David Shepherd at Petwood Hotel (former Officers Mess for the famous Dambusters, 617 Squadron)! The dinner was a commemorative event for Bomber Command in the Second World War, £100 a head, three Michelin chefs and a fly past by one of the few remaining Lancaster bombers. The dinner was a fundraising event. To raise funds, paintings were auctioned off, bids topping £2000. The Lancaster had taken off from nearby Coningsby, which for two evenings at the weekend got a special mention on the weather forecast as recording the highest temperature of the day.
I then regretted I had not spoken to the lady, as I was going to comment on her plates.
Sometimes the signs are there, we even are aware of the signs, but we fail to act, fail to take the risk. In my case, lacking the courage to speak to a complete stranger for fear of a rejection.
A little footnote: Prior to going into the secondhand shop, I had a conversation with a friend who runs a bookshop cum tea shop. He was not aware of the book signing, even though it took place close by (so much for publicity). Being a Christian bookshop, I with a big smile on my face, suggested he may like to stock The Da Vinci Code to open up a few minds. He gracefully declined. He did though say they had The Gospel of Thomas, which is a step in the right direction. I have in the past suggested he stocks books by Paulo Coelho. At the secondhand bookshop I was pleased to pick up an illustrated Da Vinci Code, a large hardback. It is a book that cries out for illustrations. Just a pity they are in the main of poor quality.
A little footnote: The day after my encounter with the lady with the plates, a friend called me from Bulgaria. I asked her did she know of David Shepherd. Yes, she replied, he is a wildlife artist. She herself is an artist. Her call interrupted a conversation with another friend, a talented artist who created the much admired Warrior of Light.
Synchronicity: A series of coincidences that on the basis of probability would be highly improbable, and yet which happen nevertheless.
It is interesting to read how many people have bought copies of The Alchemist to give away to family and friends. As I have said here and elsewhere, I do the same, I have even left them lying around for others to pick up. I have often wondered what happened to the copy I left lying on the low wall in front of the Maritime Museum on the seafront at Brighton.
Why The Alchemist? There are many other books I buy and give away. Several reasons:
The Alchemist is a very good introduction to Paulo Coelho. Though it depends. I may give the person a different Paulo Coelho.
The Alchemist is very simply, nevertheless elegantly, written. Very good for someone for whom English is not their first language (I am of course here referring to the English translation).
Since the truth and inspiration which comes from The Alchemist bends my old beliefs and lets me build a new belief in god and the world it is still lonely to go on this spiritual search for the magic and to understand the universe. Does the desire to understand about magic and the universe come from fear or is it love for life? How can someone get deeper in the magic and understanding of the universe without using “ego-based” techniques like “the secret”. There must be some deeper and more truthful knowledge as described in your books. What do you recommend on how to explore magic?
Querido Paulo,
O Alquimista foi o livro mais bonito que li em toda minha vida. É uma mistura de pureza, liberdade, determinação,inocência. É um livro que entende tudo o que o coração É.
Além da sua inteligência,os anjos estavam na sua alma quando vc. escreveu esse livro e porque sua alma é cheia de luz.
Esse livro é a história mais bela que li entre : Amor e Universo !
Gostaria de saber, se você considera este livro como o primeiro em relação a Almas Gêmeas.? Ou se vc. vê o livro como descoberta do Amor pela criação (da luz) dentro do ser humano.?
beijos,
com amor
Mari.
Hallo Paulo,
I am a young lady aged 28 from Zimbabwe. The alchemnist for me demonstrates passion, commitment and individualisim. I am a very gifted person interllectually. For the past few years I have been struggling to figure out what my calling is and for the most part I am not able to read things deeper.
However I realise that for what it is worth my path is to ensure that Africa rises above it’s recent lack of direction according to many peole. I get excited when I speak about development issues in Africa but I cant stand my current job. I try and place my situtation in the different phases that Santiago goes through and see myself as the part where he was working for cystal glass maker. As much as a know that this is a stepping stone I am totally frustated and burnt out fortunately I have THE ALCHEMIST that reminds me that as long as I stick to beliefs and work hard one day I willovercome.
The alchemist is a book that is cleary written with purpose and has and will continue to help me pull through the difficult times.
Sarah,
I was touched by reading your posting. I’m just a month shy of my 30th birthday and just now seem to be noticing that I have a fire burning in my soul. I’ve been a singer most of my life, well, for as long as I can remember, songs were my way of communicating with the world. I was a deeply feeling child, fascinated with angels and things bigger than myself, bigger than all of us, perhaps. I went off to music school at age 18. Young, ambitious, naive, I was viciously assaulted and my entire view of the world changed. I didn’t sing for 10 years. My path changed, my voice was silenced and I went on another path….social work. Went to Africa to try to be some of the change I wanted to see in the world, but I always felt like it wasn’t supposed to be my path if music wasn’t involved. Now…to make this long story shorter, I read The Alchemist and something was reignited. But how to I make sense of the feelings within me, spinning like a blender? Something bigger is meant to be, because I can feel it inside of my, sure as I am breathing. Can you?
Fear has many hats and many friends. I entertain them daily and hope one day to put a “do not disturb” sign on the door of my heart. I also hope to turn that fear into a song.
Someday. For now, we have the belief that we can follow our dreams and take the dagger out of our own gut. I wish with everything in me to have the wisdom and humility of Santiago. I need to clean the crystal in my mind, so maybe I can discern what path is it I should take.
We are not alone.
Dear Paulo,
My father has always dreamed of having his own library filled with an eclectic arrangement of books. I was browsing and searching 2 days ago through these books and I was drawn towards ‘The Alchemist’. I am in a moment of decision in my life: whether to continue along my present route or whether to explore other options in search of my other talents, joys and dreams. ‘The Alchemist’ has given me the push to realise that I should pursue various pathways and travel in the hope of finding out more about the world. I have realised that it is not mutually exclusive to love at home and away. Thank you.
Dear Paulo,
I am thrilled with your books from the first I bought (Like a River). I am 53 years young (like another person in his blog!). Being an archaeologist I have always been intrigued by the human origin, evolution, religions, mysticism ..
Your books fulfill everything what I am looking for. They are a gift to the world, an awakening !
My dream or Personal Path is to write a book. Six years ago a ‘novel’ was nearly excepted by an editor, but then my mother died suddenly and I was not able to rework the book due to many referrals to my own childhood which has been very happy. Now I don’t have any close family at all, nor children, but a some really good friends and and a caring husband. To me the book would be the baby of my life and much more than that.
In the meantime I took writing courses about structure, character building and other ‘technical’ stuff. It helped me a lot because now I started a new book and am able to be very critical to myself. Nevertheless I am still struggling with themes or subjects : there are so many things which you can write about and I often need to narrow my scope. At the moment I working on the outline and character identification but it goes on and on and on. Sometimes I have the feeling (more fear) that this will never end although I have a date in my head that I should start the real writing. what a joy and what a pain !!
Back to you and your books now. The alchemist has a perfect outline. Every event and all characters (the Englishman is a little to vague for me)fit very well together and there are several layers in the book so that you can read it more than once and discover more. I also feel that you do a lot of research and reading. Am I wright ?
Dear Paulo, I already read in your book and comments in this blog that you sit for a blank paper and after a while it comes from nowhere. Are you never making a structure or outline and a deadline? I am so curious about you writing process that I hope you can help me. I feel that on one hand I need a structure to work in (psychologically I need some structure too) while on the other hand I feel really good in free space when I myself want it.
Do you build your characters around the structure or do they go both hand in hand ? I read before that (let me call it like that) your intuition does a lot of work, but do you sweat sometimes too? (Other writers here in Belgium always say writing is 90% transpiration and 10% inspiration).
I hope you can guide me a little bit because the book would give me what I have always been longing for. It would give the ultimate sense to my life. Thanks again for all your inspiring writings that give hope and insight to humankind.
Much love and gratitude.
Dear Paulo,
I’m from Indonesia (South East Asian), and i had read your books many times, and it wont stop.
Reading Alchemist again and again really motivate me, but I have a question (by my personal story)..
Since junior high school, i already knew what i want to be when i grew up, it was so smooth… high school and college was doing great, in fact, right now I’ve been working according my life plan.. And my next plan was going to take my master degree as Psychologist and it was that close to realizing my life plan until i faced the choice either I use my deposit to fulfill my parents needs (buy a new car for them) or to pay my master degree…
As you said, the second obstacle is love. And i failed to deal correctly with it. I chose to fulfill my parents needs since my religion had quite big impact of my life and my religion taught me to love my parents. Thus, the impact is quite bad, i live with anxiety of questioning will there be any chance if one day i can take my master degree and build my own Psychology Consultant, or the destiny is taking me to other ‘places’.. I haven’t figure out the answer until now.
The question is: How can i find the answer to my question?
Should we be stubborn to our goals? is purpose of life should be describe in concrete definition or it can be just abstract?
Dear Dhede Wantah,
I’m not Coelho, but probably the below will help your choice. As your question, purpose of life should be describe in concrete definition.
“All things – from the smallest thing to human – under the sun head toward their own’s perfection.”
This is truth. And the truth is constantly caused phenomenon of harmony & inharmony amongst fear. Fear is like an unsubstantial monster. For example, social standard. In fact, its standards are not only constantly changed but also vague, too.
Your own truth is within your deepest abyss. That’s just it.
It seems that you finished to analysis about your fear in concrete.
You can choose whether to head toward your own’s perfection or to stay being surrounded with fear.
Also you can consider the below.
That is :
Speak your own truth.
And then, live your life following your truth.
After sweep away a mist of fear,
speak your own truth,
and then follow your own truth!
Heart is a breeze’s place.
Breeze which come and go around there!
No one of them will be able not to stay long on your heart if ghost images to you.
Heading toward your own’s perfection or not?
Decision depends on you.
If you trust that what you have done was good, so good will came back to you in a way or another.
You will be rewarded. life is just with honorable people.
Dear Dhede,
Your story is very touching. You let the responsibility for your parents come first and bough them the needed car, with the result of delaying your own education. What does your heart say; Do you really, really want that Master’s degree? Or, was your action a bit of an excuse to get out of going the academical way? How can you find an answer to what to do next? Somehow you have to listen to YOUR own heart. You say you struggle with anxiety. Perhaps, studying psychology would actually help you to find a way to get over these problems, and then you could help others deal with these common problems too. Perhaps, if you just get any kind of job and keep your self busy, you will forget all about the anxiety that way. All I can say. There are many ways to feeling better about our self. One way is education. Education is also one of the most certain way out of for instance poverty. Perhaps you could try just to do a class in Psychology, to see how you like it, before you sign up for the full program? You can just put one foot forward, to see how it goes, before you step your other foot there too. And if you don’t like what you see, take the first foot back in your secure space, and drop it.
Best of luck and blessings,
Heart
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