The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)

What it’s About

The Alchemist is a story about a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago who has a recurring dream about finding treasure overseas. It follows his journey to Egypt in pursuit of his destiny and elucidates how the universe shall open up a path for those that have the courage to pursue their dreams.

Why Read it

Of the novels I’ve read so far as part of my 100 Must Read Books Challenge, The Alchemist is by far my favourite to date. It’s an uplifting, spiritual tale that has turned me into an instant Paulo Coelho fan.

Favourite Quotes

“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”

“People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.”

“We are travellers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.”

“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”

“I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always 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’re living now.”

“Intuition is really a sudden immersion of the soul into the universal current of life.”

"And, when you can't go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward.”

"You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it's better to listen to what it has to say.”