Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist is the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy content to wander through the Spanish fields and towns with his faithful flcok until a recurring dream about finding his treasure at the Pyramids of Egypt rousts him from complacency. In trying to understand his dream, Santiago encounters a wise old man who calls himself Melchizedek, the King of Salem, who sets the boy off on a quest to discover his Personal Legend:
"It's what you have alwasys 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."
"It's what you have alwasys 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."
Thus spurred on by the mysterious stranger, Santiago abandons his shepherd life to this adventure of discovery. He crosses from Spain into Tangiers and further, paying heed to the omens and surmounting obstacles along the way.
Paulo Coelho's story is a short (163 pages) and simple one, an inspirational parable about the importance of pursuing one's dreams. Originally published in 1988 in the Brazillian author's native Portugese, it has since been translated in close to 70 languages and has become one of the best-selling books in history. The Alchemist is a quick and enjoyable reminder for anyone who feels they have become distracted from pursuing their own Personal Legend.
Paulo Coelho's story is a short (163 pages) and simple one, an inspirational parable about the importance of pursuing one's dreams. Originally published in 1988 in the Brazillian author's native Portugese, it has since been translated in close to 70 languages and has become one of the best-selling books in history. The Alchemist is a quick and enjoyable reminder for anyone who feels they have become distracted from pursuing their own Personal Legend.
