The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one book that has changed the way I think. Set in a small town in Spain, it tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy, who sees the same dream every night in which a child says that he will find treasure at the Egyptian pyramids.
He starts his journey in search of this treasure or ‘Personal Legend’, as an old King that appeared to him in the course of his journey explained it to be. In the author’s words,
“Your Personal Legend is what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is.
“At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their Personal Legend.”
Sometimes, I see myself as Santiago the shepherd boy who gave all he had away in search of his Personal Legend - something he had no clue about. Sometimes, I see myself as Santiago, but I'm too afraid to go in search of my Personal Legend like he did. I've failed in lot of things I'd set out to achieve. I have given up many times, but as I read the words of the old man, my entire mindset changed:
“To realize one's Personal Legend is a person's only obligation. And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.”
I can't give up on my dreams anymore. I believe the universe is working together for my good.
Peace,
— Delight.
_____________
##
Have you read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho? What are your thoughts on it?