There are many books that can change your life. Some inspire you to follow your dreams. Others help you feel less alone in your struggles, or simply make you laugh. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho covers all of the above… and more.
The book follows a young boy named Santiago while he searches for a treasure so magnificent that no one has ever found it. On his way, he encounters an alchemist who gives him life-altering advice.
The Alchemist can motivate you to live life the way you please and follow your dreams. It also shows you what true love and the meaning of life really are (it’s not what you think).
These 7 quotes from the book will leave you in awe because of their sincerity and profoundness.
1. “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
We should all believe in this line. It’s a common misconception that if you have a dream, it will be incredibly hard to actually make it a reality. Yes, aspirations require hard work, but the whole universe will be there to support you. If that’s not something worth believing, then I don’t know what is.
2. “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”
We’ve all felt the excitement of a dream we wish would come true. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don’t. However, simply having a dream is already exhilarating enough. Just like enjoying the path to success more than achieving it, this quote places the importance of enjoying the journey, not the destination.
3. “One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.”
This. It’s a quote that puts all those “Why do you love me?” questions to rest. That’s also why it’s so hard to answer this when asked. There’s simply no reason for loving someone; you simply do. We all deserve to be loved, and it’s good to remember that we are. For no special reason whatsoever.
4. “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”
If you’re anything like me, you were scared to take a risk at least once. When you never try, though, you’ll never know if you could succeed. Fearing failure is the best way to ensure you won’t accomplish your dreams. Simply trying shows you that you can do anything you set your mind to.
5. “The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”
We’ve all heard that before – enjoy the little things! It may sound like corny advice, but it’s the most profound line you’ll ever hear. Life isn’t always glamorous and exciting, but that doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful. As human beings, we need to start noticing the small moments of our everyday lives, because that’s where true beauty lies.
6. “Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own. ”
This quote represents our society as a whole. Oftentimes, the person giving advice doesn’t have their life together, either. No one truly does. In a way, it’s comedic how we’re all inclined to pitch tips when we don’t have the slightest idea how someone else is living.
7. “No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn’t know it.”
It’s a psychological fact that humans believe they are more unique or important than others. However, this quote argues that everyone is indeed special, and we all play a major role in the world. Even if it’s just a line to make people happier, I choose to believe in it and live my life accordingly. After all, if we all believe that one person alone cannot make a difference, then nothing will ever change.
Paulo Coelho’s success largely stems from how relatable and inspiring his books are. These quotes are only a few pieces of wisdom in The Alchemist. So, if you’ve never read it, I highly recommend picking up a copy ASAP. You’ll feel inspired straightaway, and you’ll start appreciating your life more… guaranteed.
Image credit by Paulo Coelho Instagram
