Finally purchased the book after having heard about it for years! And It took me less than a week to read it.
Every person I've met says the book is inspirational, thought provoking and life changing...so u can imagine my expectations were high.
So...did it change my life??
Well the simple answer to that is No.
But....
It has definitely changed my perspective on life . There is a powerful message in the story beyond just the words on the pages . But I don't think the message is the same for everyone who reads it.
Its something open to interpretation but if u don't get A message from it at all then perhaps you should stick to simple books with pictures lol
SO What Did this book mean to me??????
The secret is here in the present. If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it. And, if you improve on the present, what comes later will also be better. Forget about the future, and live each day according to the teachings, confident that God loves his children. Each day, in itself, brings with it an eternity.
The Alchemist
The seer to the camel driver
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When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.
The Alchemist
The alchemist to Santiago, echoing the words of the old king
You must understand that love never keeps a man from pursuing his destiny. If he abandons that pursuit, it's because it wasn't true love … the love that speaks the language of the world.
The Alchemist
The alchemist to Santiago.
People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don't deserve them, or that they'll be unable to achieve them.
The Alchemist
Santiago's heart tells him this.
So those are just some of the few quotes from the book...if you havent read it these few quotes alone should inspire you in some way...
I interpret the Journey of the Shepherd Santiago as an individuals journey through life. I personally don't believe in fate. I believe that we are Master's of our own destiny. That the world is our oyster and that we can acheive anything if we really believe it.
I see that these messages - from the King, Alchemist, Camel driver etc are all the same. That there is something bigger than us...that is here to guide us and help us BUT ONLY if we choose to accept that we can pursue any dream....
The problem with people is that they tend to settle because they are afraid of trying and failing. But if u never try ...how do u know you will fail?????????
Simple things, like how people say ..."oh ive always wanted to do that ...or try that"...but u have to ask them...SO why didnt you? and WHY DONT u?? For some reason people are quick to come up with excuses why things will not work ..and this...stems from fear. Fear of failure. Fear of the unknown. fear of change.
So my goals set ....I am now the ONLY one who can make them happen. i just have to be patient....to learn as i go on my journey...to get back up when i'm pushed down which is inevitable. I'll be the first to admit that It will never be easy ....but ultimately the reward will be great and that feeling when you finally acheive something you have been pursuing for a long time.....wow.... that feeling i can't even put into Words!! i LONG FOR IT!!!!!
So thank you Paulo Coelho.... for i am truly inspired...and motivated ....and i realise that we have all the resources and chances to make our lives the way we want them to be we just have to be in touch with ourselves, in order to really know and understand what it is that we want to achieve in life. Every bad situation happens for a good reason. Stay positive and look out for the 'omens'
Be a master of your own destiny and believe that if you put ur mind to it...you can achieve anything!
SO ASK ME THAT QUESTION AGAIN.. DID IT CHANGE MY LIFE??? NO ..but my new outlook on life will!!
