January 19, 2023. 4 minute Read
The Alchemist is a classic novel; it follows a young Andalusian shepherd on his journey to the pyramids of Egypt after having a recurring dream of finding a treasure there. The boy is named Santiago, who embarks on a journey seeking treasure in the Egyptian pyramids after having recurring dreams about the same. On the way, he meets mentors, falls in love, and, most importantly, learns the true importance of who he is and how to improve himself and focus on what matters in life.
Brazilian author Paulo Coelho wrote “The Alchemist,” first published in 1988.
In the book when Santiago displays his fear of failure and how it hinders him from achieving his legend or goals, for which the Alchemist says,
There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”
Alchemist to Santiago
“The fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself… no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams.” Alchemist to Santiago
Here, the Alchemist quotes that even though Santiago has the knowledge and ability to achieve his dreams, his fear of failure is overpowering all his attempts to achieve.
Remember! Fear of failure always acts as his enemy and a hindrance. It comes in the way of your meaningful and happy life. It even distracts you from even accomplishing your goals.
I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can always concentrate on the present, you’ll be a happy man. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival because life is the moment we live now.”
Alchemist to Santiago
In this quote, the Alchemist enumerates the secret of life. He even talks about how to make headway when you fail.
The Alchemist also talks about embracing and living in the present. This book deals with how we don’t pay much attention to what we have and aren’t grateful for it as we keep moving on towards seeking more in life and often forget to take a moment to live in the present and are least thankful for what we have.
The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight.”
-Alchemist
The secret is never to concede defeat, regardless of how frequently you are rejected or knocked back, whether personally or professionally.
Never stop learning and moving forward. Never give up on your aspirations; learn from your mistakes, and develop from them as you progress
“[There’s a] mysterious force . . . It’s a force that appears to be negative but actually shows you how to realize your Personal Legend. It prepares your spirit and your will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it’s because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It’s your mission on earth.” Melchizedek to Santiago
Melchizedek teaches the boy to rely on the strategies or methods of prosperous people who achieve their Legends. The destination is important so is the journey.
As an individual, we often search for our personal legend. For Santiago, the treasure may be the final goal, but for the rest, finding treasure may not be the ultimate goal. Although Santiago finds a treasure of money at the end of his trip, the same may not be the same for someone else.The journey validates the “treasure” at the end, whatever that might be for each individual.
“He remembered the night in the desert when he had sat with the Alchemist as they looked at the stars and drank wine together. He thought of the many roads he had traveled and of the strange way God had chosen to show him his treasure. . . . the path was written in the omens, and there was no way I could go wrong. . . . It’s true; life really is generous to those who pursue their Personal Legend, the boy thought.”
In the end, Santiago recalls how he gained knowledge about omens, the soul of the universe, and God through a challenging and protracted trip. He discovered the actual wealth with the journey but acquired so much more in the life lessons he discovered along the way.
The book. “The Alchemist” is enriched with life-enhancing lessons and helps us listen to our hearts and follow our dreams, no matter what comes our way.
It’s a book of essential wisdom that helps us seek and achieve happiness by living life and every moment.