Last week I decided to start reading The Alchemist. I have been wanting to read a really good book lately, preferably something full of wisdom and inspiration. One of my friends loves to read books about soul-searching and life and mentioned this book a few weeks ago. It sparked my interest and after some research, I decided to read it. Each day, I try and read a little bit of it at a time; it is so hard to put down, though. Each page is full of influential quotes and deep, soulful sayings. As hard as it is to only pick five, here are some of my favorite quotes from the book so far:
1. “It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
This is my absolute favorite quote from the entire book, probably because it is the most relatable to me. Over the last few years, especially this past year, I have discovered more and more about what my dreams are and what I want out of life. These dreams that consume my mind everyday have been constantly enriching my life more and more. I can't imagine that life would be very interesting or exciting for those who don't dream big, so I completely agree with Paulo Coelho.
2. “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
This is why it is so hard to pick only five quotes from this book....I love this one almost equally as much as the first! I believe that a lot of people, including myself at times, are afraid of going after what we want. This fear is because it is unknown of what we will have to go through to get to that place we have been dreaming about for so long. Also, sometimes we can forget to enjoy the journey on our way there because we are so fixated on the end result.
However, I have learned first-hand how enjoyable the process is. Everything we do and learn on our way is what helps mold us into who we are meant to be and what teaches us everything we need to know for when we get there. I love how Paulo Coelho says that every second of this search is an encounter with God and eternity - it's beautifully said.
3. “At a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
I am 19-years-old, and I have heard more than my fair share of adults saying, "I wish I did that," "I wish I could go back," "I always wanted to do this..." I hate hearing those words. My heart literally crumbles. This is why I believe it is so important that you don't let fear control your life and you go after whatever it is you believe you were meant to do.
I see so many people stuck in the same miserable patterns each and every day because they aren't doing what they want to do. I've made a promise to myself that I will do everything I can to never live that way. Don't believe that you can't at any point change something that makes you unhappy because as the book says, it's the worlds greatest lie.
4. “Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
I love this quote because it is so simple: Follow your heart. Ignore the input from people about how you should live your life, and ignore the realistic expectations society puts on us. As long as you listen to your heart, you will always be happy.
5. “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
I am ending with this quote because it has been one of my favorites even before I picked up the book. When you put all of you focus and energy on what you want, you have to believe the universe will conspire in helping you to achieve it. It's like magic.
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