Known for the vast amount of copies sold in recent history, Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is a story about the necessary pursuit of happiness. The Alchemist was originally published in Portuguese in 1988 but didn’t become well known until 1993, when it was translated into English and republished. Since then, it was made several bestsellers lists each year. This novel follows the path of Santiago, a young Spanish shepherd who, through his dreams, is urged to find hidden treasure in Egypt. In order to attain this goal, Santiago must leave the comfort of his home and his sheep, learn to trust in the “Soul of the World,” and believe that “all the universe will conspire to help [him] achieve it” (Coelho, 24). For Santiago to discover his “Personal
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From the beginning to the end, Santiago faces many challenges. “But the boy never took his eyes off his new friend. After all, he had all his money [...] but nowhere could he find his new companion” (Coelho, 40-41). While Santiago is in Tangier, he is swindled out of all of his money to a stranger, and there he faces his first challenge of earning more money. Santiago is then forced out of his comfort zone as he gets a job in a crystal shop. From working with the merchant, Santiago learns that he must continue on with his journey so he doesn’t live out the life of the crystal merchant. “Be aware of the place where you are brought to tears. That is where I am, and that’s where your treasure is” (Coelho, 164). This is another example where Santiago must show perseverance. Santiago spends all night digging in the sand dunes of Egypt looking for his treasure. Even faced with the threat of his own life, Santiago never gave up believing in his personal legend and overcomes his fear that he might not find it. It is with his perseverance that he discovers that his real treasure is located at the church where the story begins. The lesson of perseverance leads to the belief in oneself because without one, the other isn’t
From the beginning to the end, Santiago faces many challenges. “But the boy never took his eyes off his new friend. After all, he had all his money [...] but nowhere could he find his new companion” (Coelho, 40-41). While Santiago is in Tangier, he is swindled out of all of his money to a stranger, and there he faces his first challenge of earning more money. Santiago is then forced out of his comfort zone as he gets a job in a crystal shop. From working with the merchant, Santiago learns that he must continue on with his journey so he doesn’t live out the life of the crystal merchant. “Be aware of the place where you are brought to tears. That is where I am, and that’s where your treasure is” (Coelho, 164). This is another example where Santiago must show perseverance. Santiago spends all night digging in the sand dunes of Egypt looking for his treasure. Even faced with the threat of his own life, Santiago never gave up believing in his personal legend and overcomes his fear that he might not find it. It is with his perseverance that he discovers that his real treasure is located at the church where the story begins. The lesson of perseverance leads to the belief in oneself because without one, the other isn’t