The Alchemist is a book by Paulo Coelho that emphasizes the fact that each person has their own personal story. The reading demonstrates that people are “unable to choose personal legends,” a condition caused by “the world’s largest lie”, “our fate becomes controlled by destiny”. Coelho’s story is about Santiago. Santiago was a child whose dream ignited his legend. He is now trying to fulfill it. The Alchemist highlights the importance of people discovering and achieving their personal legends.
Some people do not follow their stories, but only a few. The novel begins by showing who is motivated to live out their dream. Santiago was young and had the desire to live his legend, but the crystal merchant didn’t. It doesn’t matter if someone does not live up to their personal legend. Coelho stated in The Alchemist: “Everyone, as a young person, knows what his or her personal legend will be.” However, only a small number of people have the motivation to actually pursue their legend. In The Alchemist, Coelho states that “everyone knows what their personal legend is when they are young.” However, only a select few have the drive to actually go for it. The Englishman is the only one who is going to try to live up to his legend. The reader can see that the Englishman has a burning desire for the philosopher’s rock and is willing to do everything he can to achieve his legend. The potential for everyone to live their legend is there, if they have the will and the determination to succeed.
The Alchemist suggests that Santiago is the perfect person to discover his treasure. Coelho explains that when Santiago meets Fatima “the world’s soul surged inside him.” This shows his personality and how love and language are intertwined. His dream is what ignites his curiosity about the universe and his determination to learn more about it. He is a man who was built to live up to his legends. Many others are too precious for such a risk. The baker and crystal merchant are two examples of people who don’t choose to follow their legends. Not only does a person’s situation improve when they complete their legend, but the experience itself is a treasure. Santiago learned about Fatima and love, as well as about omens. Even if you don’t achieve your dreams, following them can improve your life. Following legends is worth it because of the people and lessons you will meet along the way.
