The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
I rarely read fiction books, but there is just something so special about Coelho's writing style, which turns any story into a spiritual experience.
So, it took me over three decades to discover Paulo Coelho.
I started with By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept, and I loved his writing style, so I picked up the work Coelho is most known for, The Alchemist.
It's an inspiring spiritual tale of self-discovery that has touched millions of lives around the world. In his foreword, the author admits he still re-reads this book regularly, and every time he experiences the same sensations he felt when he wrote it. This is the book he put himself into. It's Coelho's Personal Legend.
By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho
After reading By The River Piedra I Sat Down And Wept I immediately fell in love with Coelho’s writing style. It’s simple, very Hemingwayan, and, with its short chapters, caters to my preferred reading style.
Peter Kos
I always love the backstories about creative works
Consider this book sold an estimated 150 million copies worldwide, and was translated into more than 65 languages, making Paulo Coelho recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s most translated living author, yet this was how it all started:
So, in a way, this book is Coelho's Personal Legend
"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 1s 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."
"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
What if things are the other way around
He arose and, taking up his crook, began to awaken the sheep that still slept. He had noticed that, as soon as he awoke, most of his animals also began to stir. It was as if some mysterious energy bound his life to that of the sheep, with whom he had spent the past two years, leading them through the countryside in search of food and water. "They are so used to me that they know my sched-ule," he muttered. Thinking about that for a moment, he realized that it could be the other way around: that it was he who had become accustomed to their schedule.
There are many ways to see the world
"People from all over the world have passed through this village, son," said his father. "They come in search of new things, but when they leave they are basically the same people they were when they arrived. They climb the mountain to see the castle, and they wind up thinking that the past was better than what we have now.
They have blond hair, or dark skin, but basically they're the same as the people who live right here."
"But I'd like to see the castles in the towns where they live," the boy explained.
"Those people, when they see our land, say that they would like to live here forever," his father continued.
"Well, I'd like to see their land, and see how they live," said his son.
"The people who come here have a lot of money to spend, so they can afford to travel," his father said.
"Amongst us, the only ones who travel are the shepherds."
"Well, then I'll be a shepherd!"
The world's greatest lie
"It's a book that says the same thing almost all the other books in the world say," continued the old man.
"It describes people's inability to choose their own Personal Legends. And it ends up saying that everyone believes the world's greatest lie."
"What's the world's greatest lie?" the boy asked, completely surprised.
"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."
Taste the success
"That's the way it always is," said the old man. "It's called the principle of favorability. When you play cards the first time, you are almost sure to win. Beginner's luck."
"Why is that?"
"Because there is a force that wants you to realize your Personal Legend; it whets your appetite with a taste of success."
The secret of happiness
"Well, there is only one piece of advice I can give you,' said the wisest of wise men. "The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon."
Maktub
"Maktub," the merchant said, finally.
"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?"
And, as he smothered the coals in the hookah, he told the boy that he could begin to sell tea in the crystal glasses. Sometimes, there's just no way to hold back the river.
Haram
They ate in silence. The alchemist opened a bottle and poured a red liquid into the boy's cup. It was the most delicious wine he had ever tasted.
"Isn't wine prohibited here?" the boy asked
"It's not what enters men's mouths that's evil," said the alchemist. "It's what comes out of their mouths that is."
Haters never win
"To show you one of life's simple lessons," the alchemist answered. "When you possess great treasures within you, and try to tell others of them, seldom are you believed."
You are your own worst enemy
"If a person is living out his Personal Legend, he knows everything he needs to know. There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."
Have you found your treasure? Followed your Personal Legend? Read The Alchemist and get inspired. It's never too late.
Check out my other impressions:
.books - Peter Kos
These notes are my highlights and impressions, a form of digital marginalia of my reading. Summaries and recommendations. And, of course, MY BOOK(s) ;-)
