Main Themes
- Personal Legend: The most important theme in The Alchemist is the idea that everyone has a Personal Legend, a dream or destiny they are meant to fulfill.
- Pursuing dreams: The book encourages readers to listen to their hearts and pursue their dreams, no matter how difficult or impossible they may seem.
- Santiago’s Journey: Santiago’s journey to the Egyptian pyramids represents the challenges and triumphs one faces on the way to realizing their dreams.
- Overcoming Fear: Along his journey, Santiago learns that fear of failure is the biggest obstacle to achieving one’s dreams, and that the universe conspires to help those who are brave enough to pursue their Personal Legends.
- Value of the Journey: The story emphasizes that the journey itself is just as valuable as the destination, and the lessons learned along the way help us grow and evolve.
- The Role of Omens: This idea is further emphasized by the recurring concept of omens, suggesting that the universe communicates with us and guides us towards our destinies if we pay attention to the signs.
- True Love and Personal Legend: Finally, The Alchemist suggests that true love will never hinder one’s Personal Legend, but rather support and encourage it.
Important Terms
- Personal Legend: This is the central concept of the story, referring to an individual’s unique purpose in life. It’s the reason they were born, their ultimate dream, and the path they are meant to follow. For Santiago, it’s the journey to find his treasure at the Egyptian pyramids.
- Omens: The universe guides people toward their Personal Legends by providing signs. These signs, or omens, can take many forms, such as a recurring dream, a chance meeting, or the flight of birds. Santiago learns to interpret these omens and use them to make decisions on his journey.
- The Soul of the World: All things in the universe are connected through a shared soul. It’s through this connection that people can understand the language of the world, a language without words that speaks through feelings, experiences, and intuition.
- Alchemy: Often associated with turning lead into gold, alchemy represents transformation and the pursuit of perfection. In the story, alchemy is not only about the literal transformation of metals but also symbolizes personal growth, the journey toward realizing one’s potential.
- Urim and Thummim: Two stones given to Santiago by the old king, representing “yes” and “no”. They help Santiago to read the omens and make decisions. The stones also symbolize intuition and the need to listen to one’s inner voice.
- Maktub: This Arabic word, meaning “It is written,” reflects the concept of fate and destiny. While suggesting that certain events are predetermined, the story emphasizes the importance of following one’s Personal Legend even if it is “written.”
- The Levanter: A strong, easterly wind that blows in the Mediterranean region. It symbolizes the force that drives Santiago toward his Personal Legend, pushing him beyond his comfort zone and towards his dreams.
Storylines
Part I: The Shepherd’s Calling
- Narcissus and the Lake: This allegorical tale sets the stage for the novel’s exploration of beauty, self-awareness, and the importance of recognizing the value of what we have. The story highlights the danger of becoming so consumed by one’s own reflection that one loses sight of the beauty around them.
- Santiago’s Dream: Introduces Santiago, a young shepherd in Andalusia who dreams of traveling the world. This section establishes Santiago’s restlessness and his desire for something more than the ordinary life he knows.
- Meeting Melchizedek: Santiago encounters the mysterious Melchizedek, the King of Salem, who introduces the concept of the Personal Legend and the idea that the universe conspires to help those who follow their dreams. This pivotal encounter sets Santiago on his path toward self-discovery.
- The Decision: Santiago wrestles with the decision to follow his dream or remain in his comfort zone. This section highlights the challenges of leaving behind the familiar and embracing the unknown in pursuit of one’s true purpose.
- The Levanter and the Journey Begins: After much deliberation, Santiago decides to sell his flock and journey to Egypt in search of treasure. This section marks a turning point as Santiago takes the first concrete steps toward fulfilling his Personal Legend.
Part II: Trials and Transformations
- Tangier and the Thief: Santiago arrives in Tangier and is immediately robbed, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of the world and the importance of adaptability. This experience serves as a reminder that the path to one’s Personal Legend is not without its obstacles.
- The Crystal Merchant: Santiago finds work with a kind but stagnant crystal merchant, learning valuable lessons about business, opportunity, and the fear of change. This period of work allows Santiago to reflect on his journey and the nature of his own desires.
- The Language of the World: Through his experiences in Tangier, Santiago starts to recognize the universality of human experience and the existence of a language beyond words. This section emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of paying attention to the subtle signs and omens around us.
- Joining the Caravan: Santiago decides to join a caravan crossing the Sahara Desert, immersing himself in a new culture and way of life. This decision marks a significant shift as Santiago leaves behind the familiar world of Tangier and ventures into the vast and unforgiving desert.
Part III: Lessons of the Desert
- Maktub and the Desert Wisdom: Santiago learns about the concept of “Maktub” (it is written), accepting the power of destiny while also acknowledging the importance of personal choice. This section explores themes of fate, free will, and the importance of living in the present moment.
- The Englishman and the Alchemist: Santiago meets an Englishman also searching for his Personal Legend and learns about the importance of perseverance and the transformative power of pursuing one’s dreams. He also encounters the enigmatic alchemist, a figure who represents wisdom and spiritual guidance.
- Love in the Oasis: At the oasis of Al-Fayoum, Santiago falls in love with Fatima, a desert woman who teaches him about love, patience, and the importance of trusting in one’s own journey. This experience deepens Santiago’s understanding of love and the sacrifices that may be required in pursuit of one’s dreams.
- The Test of Courage: Santiago faces a series of challenges, including a tribal war and a test of courage by the alchemist, further developing his resilience and solidifying his commitment to his Personal Legend. These trials emphasize the importance of facing one’s fears and pushing beyond one’s comfort zone in order to grow and achieve one’s goals.
- Learning the Language of the World: The alchemist guides Santiago deeper into the desert, teaching him to listen to his heart, recognize omens, and connect with the Soul of the World. This section explores themes of intuition, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Part IV: Discovery and Return
- The Journey’s End: Following the omens and his own intuition, Santiago finally reaches the Pyramids, where he unearths his treasure. This culmination of his journey signifies the achievement of his initial goal and the realization of his Personal Legend.
- The True Treasure: Santiago discovers that the true treasure lies not in the material wealth he finds but in the wisdom, experiences, and personal growth he gained throughout his journey. This realization emphasizes the importance of the journey itself and the transformative power of pursuing one’s dreams.
- The Return to Fatima: Santiago chooses to return to Fatima, embracing love and companionship as integral parts of his life’s journey. This decision highlights the importance of human connection and the idea that true fulfillment comes from a balance of personal goals and meaningful relationships.
Quiz #1
Select the right answer for each question.
Question 1/10
What prompts Santiago to leave his life as a shepherd?
What is the significance of Santiago’s encounter with the thief in Tangier?
What is the central theme explored through the crystal merchant’s story?
How does the concept of “the Language of the World” manifest in the story?
What role does Fatima play in Santiago’s journey?
What is the significance of the “Urim and Thummim” given to Santiago?
What is the alchemist’s primary role in Santiago’s journey?
How is the concept of “Maktub” portrayed in the story?
What does Santiago ultimately discover about his “treasure”?
What is the significance of Santiago’s return to Fatima at the end of the story?
Quiz #2
Drag the terms from the above to match them with the definition in the below.
Personal Legend
Omens
The Soul of the World
Alchemy
Urim and Thummim
Maktub
The Levanter
Tangier and the Thief
The Crystal Merchant
The Language of the World
An individual’s unique purpose in life, their ultimate dream, and the path they are meant to follow.
The universe guides people toward their Personal Legends by providing signs, which can take many forms.
All things in the universe are connected through a shared soul, through which people can understand the language of the world.
Represents transformation and the pursuit of perfection, symbolizing personal growth and the journey toward realizing one’s potential.
Two stones given to Santiago by the king, representing “yes” and “no,” which help Santiago to read the omens and make decisions.
The concept of fate and destiny, meaning “It is written” in Arabic.
A strong, easterly wind that symbolizes the force that drives Santiago toward his Personal Legend.
The experience that forces Santiago to confront the harsh realities of the world and the importance of adaptability.
Where Santiago finds work and learns valuable lessons about business, opportunity, and the fear of change.
The universality of human experience and the existence of a language beyond words.
00:00:00 Speaker 1
All right. Ready to dive into The Alchemist?
00:00:02 Speaker 2
Let’s do it.
00:00:03 Speaker 1
This book by Paula Cuello, it’s been a best seller for ages, kind of a modern fable, you know.
00:00:09 Speaker 2
Yeah, it’s got that timeless appeal speaks of something deep, I think.
00:00:13 Speaker 1
Definitely. So it’s about this shepherd Santiago from Andalusia. He keeps having these dreams about treasure.
00:00:21 Speaker 2
Buried near the pyramids, right?
00:00:22 Speaker 1
Exactly. But it’s not just about the treasure, is it?
00:00:25 Speaker 1
It’s like a metaphor for something.
00:00:27 Speaker 2
Bigger totally. It’s about finding your purpose, your personal legend, as Coello calls it, taking risks following your dreams. All that.
00:00:34 Speaker 1
And right away we see Santiago wrestling with this feeling of restlessness. Like there’s got to be more to life than just tending sheep, you know?
00:00:39 Speaker 2
Yeah.
00:00:43 Speaker 2
Yeah, that feeling of being meant for something bigger, but sometimes it’s scary to even.
00:00:47 Speaker 2
Admit that to ourselves.
00:00:48 Speaker 1
And then he meets smoke his.
00:00:49 Speaker 2
Deck the King of Salem. Talk about an intriguing.
00:00:53 Speaker 1
Character. He kind of blows Santiago’s mind, doesn’t he?
00:00:55 Speaker 2
Definitely shakes things up. He introduces this whole idea of the personal legend.
00:01:00 Speaker 2
And give Santiago permission to actually go for it.
00:01:03 Speaker 1
But it’s not all smooth sailing from there. I mean, Santiago gets robbed almost immediately after selling his sheep.
00:01:09 Speaker 2
Yeah. Talk about a reality check, but I think Cuello is showing us that pursuing your dreams isn’t always easy. There will be setbacks, challenges.
00:01:17 Speaker 1
So he ends up stuck in Tangier, having to work at a crystal shop to save up.
00:01:21 Speaker 1
Money.
00:01:21 Speaker 2
That crystal shop, though it it’s more than just a job, right? It’s like a mini version of his whole journey. He learns about taking risks, trusting his gut.
00:01:30 Speaker 1
And he actually helps the shop owner turn things around.
00:01:33 Speaker 1
And made me think about those unexpected detours in our own lives. You know, the ones that end up teaching us the most.
00:01:38 Speaker 2
Valuable lessons? Oh, absolutely. The Alchemist is all about those parallels between Santiago’s journey and our own.
00:01:45 Speaker 1
We may not be crossing the Sahara desert, but we all face those choices, those moments where we have to decide, play it safe, or take a leap of faith.
00:01:54 Speaker 2
Exactly. So Santiago finally earns enough to continue on his way, joining a caravan across the Sahara and the caravan itself.
00:02:02 Speaker 2
Fascinated.
00:02:03 Speaker 1
Like a microcosm of society, right, all these different characters, each with their own perspective on life.
00:02:08 Speaker 2
You’ve got the.
00:02:09 Speaker 2
Englishman obsessed with books or knowledge. And then the camel driver who’s so connected to the desert and the present moment.
00:02:15 Speaker 1
I love the camel driver’s wisdom. He talks about listening to the language of the desert, which sounds kind of mystical.
00:02:22 Speaker 2
It is mystical, but it’s also about paying attention being pro.
00:02:26 Speaker 2
Recent have you ever had that feeling where you just knew something, even if you couldn’t explain it?
00:02:31 Speaker 1
Oh, for sure. Those gut feelings.
00:02:33 Speaker 2
That’s what Quayle is getting at. I think trusting our intuition.
00:02:36 Speaker 1
So the caravan reaches this Oasis, which is like a paradise in the middle of nowhere. And this is where Santiago meets Fatima and.
00:02:43 Speaker 2
Sparks fly.
00:02:44 Speaker 1
Classic love story, right? But it’s more than just a romantic subplot. It brings up this dilemma.
00:02:51 Speaker 1
Love versus pursuing your dream.
00:02:54 Speaker 2
Something a lot of us can relate to, right? Trying to balance what our heart wants with what we feel we should be doing.
00:02:59 Speaker 1
And it’s a turning point for Santiago. Does he stay in this idyllic Oasis with Fatima, or does he keep chasing his treasure?
00:03:07 Speaker 2
Tough choice.
00:03:09 Speaker 2
And that’s where we’ll pick things up in the next part of our deep dive. That cliffhanger, though. Poor Santiago. Right love or destiny? Tough call.
00:03:17 Speaker 1
It’s like the ultimate crossroads and then enter The Alchemist.
00:03:22 Speaker 1
This is where things get really interesting.
00:03:24 Speaker 2
Oh yeah, The Alchemist. He’s like this wise mystical guide appears just when Santiago needs him most.
00:03:30 Speaker 1
And he doesn’t exactly spell things out, does he? All this talk about the soul of the world, it’s pretty deep stuff.
00:03:36 Speaker 2
Yeah, a little.
00:03:37 Speaker 2
Woo woo. Maybe. But it’s about this interconnectedness of everything, right, like we’re all part of something much bigger.
00:03:42 Speaker 1
I can get behind that for sure.
00:03:44 Speaker 1
But how does it tie back to Santiago and his quest?
00:03:48 Speaker 2
The Alchemist is trying to show him that the treasure it’s not just about material wealth, you know, it’s about finding your true self. Your purpose in the grand scheme of things.
00:03:58 Speaker 1
So it’s more about the journey than the destination.
00:04:00 Speaker 2
Exactly. It’s about who Santiago becomes along the way.
00:04:04 Speaker 1
And The Alchemist doesn’t just tell him this, he puts Santiago through some serious trials. And of that whole, turning into the wind.
00:04:09 Speaker 2
Thing. Yeah, that was wild. It’s about pushing beyond our limits, tapping into that inner power we all have, like.
00:04:17 Speaker 2
Have you ever faced a challenge that seemed impossible? But then you somehow did it?
00:04:21 Speaker 1
Oh yeah, we’ve all had those moments where we surprised ourselves.
00:04:24 Speaker 2
That’s exactly what Coeli is getting at. We’re capable of way more than we think.
00:04:28 Speaker 1
So Santiago, guided by The Alchemist, keeps moving towards the pyramids.
00:04:35 Speaker 1
You’d think this is it, right? He’s gonna find the treasure. Happy ending.
00:04:39 Speaker 2
Right, but Nope, The Alchemist throws a.
00:04:42 Speaker 2
Curveball our way.
00:04:43 Speaker 2
OK, remember what happens when he gets to the pyramid?
00:04:45 Speaker 1
Brutal, right? But there’s a reason for this twist. Trust me.
00:04:48 Speaker 2
Seriously, I was ready to throw the book across the room all that way, and then he gets robbed. It felt so unfair.
00:04:55 Speaker 1
Right. Talk about a low blow, but it’s like a gut punch with a purpose, you know?
00:04:58 Speaker 2
OK, I’m listening. What’s the purpose?
00:05:01 Speaker 1
The thieves, they don’t just rob him. They actually tell Santiago about a dream they had about treasure buried at a ruined church.
00:05:09 Speaker 2
Wait and the churches in Spain back where Santiago started.
00:05:13 Speaker 1
Whoa. And that’s when it hits him, right? The treasure wasn’t at the pyramids at all. It was back home all along.
00:05:18 Speaker 2
Exactly. It’s like this huge aha.
00:05:22 Speaker 2
Moment and it goes back to what we were talking about earlier, the journey being the real destination.
00:05:26 Speaker 1
OK, I get that. But Santiago does actually find treasure at that church in Spain, right? It’s not just a symbolic thing.
00:05:33 Speaker 2
He does, but I see it as this confirmation, like a reward for following his personal legend, for trusting his gut and going through all those challenges.
00:05:42 Speaker 1
So it’s like you can’t go back home expecting things to be the same, but you can return with this whole new perspective, right?
00:05:47 Speaker 2
That’s exactly Santiago returns to his roots, but he’s transformed by his experiences. He’s not that same naive shepherd any more.
00:05:56 Speaker 1
And that resonates with me. You know, we all go through these journey.
00:06:00 Speaker 1
Maybe not across literal deserts, but we’re constantly learning and growing.
00:06:04 Speaker 2
And those experiences shape us, even the tough ones. They lead us to unexpected places, just like Santiago finding treasure where he least expected it.
00:06:12 Speaker 1
So if someone’s listening.
00:06:13 Speaker 1
To this maybe feeling a bit lost or stuck.
00:06:16 Speaker 1
What’s the big take away from The Alchemist? What’s that? One thing they should remember.
00:06:21 Speaker 2
Listen to your heart. That’s the first thing. What are those whispers? Those things you’ve always dreamed of and maybe been afraid to go after.
00:06:28 Speaker 1
And don’t ignore those little signs, those gut feelings.
00:06:31 Speaker 2
The omens, as Cuello calls them. Sometimes they’re subtle, but they’re there if you pay attention.
00:06:37 Speaker 2
Trust your intuition, even if it doesn’t make sense logically.
00:06:40 Speaker 1
And then actually do something. Don’t just dream about it. Take action like Santiago selling his sheep, even though it was scary.
00:06:47 Speaker 2
That’s how you make things happen. Taking that leap of faith, knowing that you’ll figure it out along the way.
00:06:53 Speaker 1
The Alchemist is such a powerful story about believing in yourself, following your dreams and knowing that you’re capable of amazing things.
00:07:00 Speaker 2
And sometimes the greatest treasures are found in the most unexpected places, right?
00:07:05 Speaker 1
This deep dive has been amazing. Really makes you think, and if you haven’t read The Alchemist, I definitely recommend giving it a shot. It might just inspire you to find your own personal legend. Thanks for listening everyone.
Expression
- It’s like a metaphor for something.
- Definition: A way to say one thing is like another thing.
- Example:
A: “What does the broken clock mean in the story?”
B: “It’s like a metaphor for lost time.
- It’s not all smooth sailing from there.
- Definition: It means not everything will be easy.
- Example:
A: “You got a new job! That’s great!”
B: “Thanks, but it’s not all smooth sailing from there. It’s going to be hard work.”
- Talk about a reality check.
- Definition: A big surprise that makes you see the truth.
- Example:
A: “I thought learning French would be easy, but it’s so hard!”
B: “Talk about a reality check!”
- “It’s like a mini version of his whole journey.”
- Definition: A small thing that shows the same story as a bigger one.
- Example:
A: “What do you think of this part of the book?”
B: “It’s like a mini version of his whole journey.”
- It’s about pushing beyond our limits.
- Definition: It means trying to do more than you think you can
- Example:
A: “Why do you love running marathons?”
B: “It’s about pushing beyond our limits.”
- Tough choice.
- Definition: A hard decision to make.
- Example:
A: “Should I buy a new phone or save my money?”
B: “That’s a tough choice.”
- This is where things get really interesting.
- Definition: This is the moment when something becomes exciting.
- Example:
A: “What happens next in the story?”
B: “This is where things get really interesting—they find a hidden door!”
- Trust your intuition.
- Definition: Believe in your own feelings or thoughts.
- Example:
A: “I don’t know which way to go.”
B: “Trust your intuition—it will guide you.”
- Take action like Santiago selling his sheep.
- Definition: Do something brave to follow your dream.
- Example:
A: “I want to open my own bakery, but I’m scared.”
B: “Take action like Santiago selling his sheep—follow your dream!”
- Taking that leap of faith.
- Definition: Doing something even if you are not sure it will work.
- Example:
A: “I’m nervous to start my new job.”
B: “Sometimes, taking that leap of faith is worth it.”
Quiz #1
Select the right answer for each question.
Question 1/10
What is the main topic of the conversation?
What is Santiago’s initial occupation?
What recurring element in Santiago’s life encourages him to seek his Personal Legend?
What is the King of Salem’s primary role in Santiago’s journey?
How does Santiago end up working at a crystal shop in Tangier?
Which of the following characters does NOT travel with the caravan across the Sahara Desert?
What is the significance of the oasis in Santiago’s journey?
What lesson does the camel driver try to teach Santiago?
What is the ‘curveball’ that occurs when Santiago reaches the pyramids?
What is the ultimate message the speakers emphasize about The Alchemist?
1. How does the concept of the Personal Legend impact the characters’ decisions and actions throughout the book?
Brainstorm:
- Who: Santiago, the crystal merchant, the alchemist
- What: The Personal Legend as a guiding purpose
- When: Throughout their lives; key moments like Santiago’s departure, the crystal merchant’s regret, and the alchemist’s guidance
- Where: Spain, Tangier, the desert, and near the Pyramids
- Why: To highlight the importance of following one’s dreams and overcoming obstacles
- How: By showing characters’ choices, challenges, and eventual growth
Example Answer: Well, the Personal Legend, you know, really drives Santiago to step out of his comfort zone and chase his dreams. For example, it’s what makes him leave his simple life as a shepherd. And then, characters like the crystal merchant and the alchemist—they show how it either inspires or challenges people.
2. What are some of the most significant omens that Santiago encounters, and how do they guide him on his journey?
Brainstorm:
- Who: Santiago, the tribal chieftains, the alchemist
- What: Omens as signs from the universe
- When: Key moments, such as in the crystal shop, in the oasis, and near the Pyramids
- Where: Across Spain, Tangier, and the desert
- Why: To guide Santiago towards his Personal Legend and build his intuition
- How: By interpreting dreams, observing nature, and trusting signs
Example Answer: You see, omens are super important for Santiago. He learns to trust things like the stones, Urim and Thummim, the hawks in the desert, and even his recurring dreams. They’re like signs that show him he’s on the right track.
3. What role does fear play in the story, and how does Santiago overcome his fear of failure?
Brainstorm:
- Who: Santiago, the crystal merchant, the Englishman
- What: Fear as an obstacle and teacher
- When: During challenges like robbery, working in the crystal shop, and transforming into the wind
- Where: Tangier, the desert, the oasis
- Why: To demonstrate the power of persistence and belief in oneself
- How: By taking risks, listening to the alchemist, and trusting the journey
Example Answer: Fear’s a big challenge, right? For Santiago, it’s like this voice that tries to stop him, but he learns to quiet it by staying focused on his dream. He also takes advice from the alchemist and, you know, just keeps moving forward.
4. What is the significance of the various settings in the story?
Brainstorm:
- Who: Santiago and the people he meets (crystal merchant, alchemist, Fatima)
- What: Settings as symbols of stages in life
- When: At each step of Santiago’s journey
- Where: Andalusian countryside, Tangier, the desert, the Pyramids
- Why: To mirror Santiago’s growth and understanding of the world
- How: Through the lessons, challenges, and connections he experiences in each location
Example Answer: Oh, the settings really shape the story! Like, Andalusia is where Santiago starts, simple and comfortable, while the desert is where he faces real challenges. Each place reflects his growth, you know?
5. How does Santiago’s relationship with Fatima influence his journey and understanding of love?
Brainstorm:
- Who: Santiago and Fatima
- What: Love as both inspiration and lesson
- When: During Santiago’s time at the oasis
- Where: The desert oasis
- Why: To show that love and dreams can coexist
- How: Through Fatima’s encouragement and her acceptance of Santiago’s journey
Example Answer: So, Fatima’s love is like this anchor for Santiago. She teaches him that true love doesn’t hold you back—it gives you strength to keep following your dreams.
6. What is the meaning of the alchemist’s final lesson for Santiago?
Brainstorm:
- Who: Santiago and the alchemist
- What: Final lesson on the nature of the treasure
- When: Near the Pyramids
- Where: The desert and Santiago’s homeland
- Why: To emphasize the theme of inner fulfillment
- How: By showing Santiago’s realization and return to his roots
Example Answer: The alchemist’s final lesson, you know, it’s all about self-discovery. He helps Santiago see that the treasure isn’t just a thing—it’s about who you become along the way.
7. How does the concept of “Maktub” shape the story and the characters’ choices?
Brainstorm:
- Who: Santiago, the crystal merchant, the alchemist
- What: “Maktub” as a symbol of destiny
- When: Throughout the journey, especially during pivotal decisions
- Where: Tangier, the desert, the oasis
- Why: To balance fate with free will
- How: By guiding characters’ decisions and reinforcing their belief in the journey
Example Answer: “Maktub,” or “it is written,” is like this idea that fate is real but you’ve got to act on it. For Santiago, it’s about trusting the journey and making choices that align with his destiny.
Activity
Record yourself answering questions in the disscussion. You can use example answers provided or brainstorm your answers using the 5W-1H method.
“When you really want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
“It’s this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s the world’s greatest lie.”
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.
“Treasure is uncovered by the force of flowing water, and it is buried by the same currents.”
“If you start out by promising what you don’t even have yet, you’ll lose your desire to work toward getting it.”
“The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon.”
“Because the crystal was dirty. And both you and I needed to cleanse our minds of negative thoughts.”
“Sometimes, there’s just no way to hold back the river.”
“You must always know what it is that you want.”
“Never stop dreaming,” the old king had said. “Follow the omens.”
“When someone sees the same people every day, as had happened with him at the seminary, they wind up becoming a part of that person’s life. And then they want the person to change. 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.”
“Everything in life is an omen,” said the Englishman, now closing the journal he was reading. “There is a universal language, understood by everybody, but already forgotten. I am in search of that universal language, among other things.”
“It’s with those words that the universal language is written.”
“The closer one gets to realizing his Personal Legend, the more that Personal Legend becomes his true reason for being.”
“All things are one,” the old man had said.
“I’ve crossed these sands many times,” said one of the camel drivers one night. “But the desert is so huge, and the horizons so distant, that they make a person feel small, and as if he should remain silent.”
“When you are unable to read the omens, they will help you to do so. Always ask an objective question.”
“What does that mean?” “You would have to have been born an Arab to understand,” he answered. “But in your language it would be something like ‘It is written.’ “
“If I can learn to understand this language without words, I can learn to understand the world.”
Activity
Choose one of the writing activities below and share your piece in the comments.
- Select a statement or idea from the book that resonates with you. Write a short paragraph explaining why you agree or disagree with it.
- Pick a quote from the book and rewrite it in your own words.
- Write anything that comes to your mind about the book.
Leave a Reply