This weekend, we're revisiting one of our favourite books: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Regarded as one of the bestselling books in history, The Alchemist tells the mystical story of Santiago, a shepherd boy on a journey to realize his Personal Legend.
Coelho wrote the book in only two weeks and was first published in 1988. In an interview with The Guardian, he explains that the story was "already written in [his] soul", allowing him to write at this pace.
Inspiring millions of people around the world, its simple narrative style easily amplifies a universal story of humankind. It teaches readers about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path.
Here are 5 powerful lessons from the book:
On success and its ripple effect: "That’s what alchemists do. They show that, when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too."
On breaking the monotony: "And when each day is the same as the next, it's because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day the sun rises."
On true love: "You must understand that love never keeps a man from pursuing his Personal Legend. If he abandons that pursuit, it's because it wasn't true love - the love that speaks the Language of the World."
On focusing on your own journey: "If someone isn’t what others want them to be, the others become angry. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own."
On realising your dreams: "There is only one way to learn. It’s through action."
Share it with us in the comments below!
Comments
Debo said:
I discovered this book in 1990 and read it every couple of years. I learn something every time. I usually purchase 2-3 paperback copies every year to give away to friends who may be struggling. This book is a work of art and can be the salve that heals the heart/mind.
November 08, 2019
Brendel said:
Thank you for sharing!
July 14, 2019