The Alchemist is a classic novel in which a boy named Santiago embarks on a journey seeking treasure in the Egyptian pyramids after having a recurring dream about it and on the way meets mentors, falls in love, and most importantly, learns the true importance of who he is and how to improve himself and focus on what really matters in life.
He learnt to listen to his heart and, more importantly, realised that his dreams, or his Personal Legend, are not just his but part of the Soul of the Universe.
I will be picking a few chapters and running a brief summary on them. The book is very interesting and engaging.
Chapter one
The boy’s name was Santiago…
Santiago as a character whilst giving subliminal messages regarding his relationship with his ships and his relationship with the world.
Santiago is an atypical shepherd who likes reading and talking to his sheep about things he reads. He finds himself longing for more time with the merchant daughter whilst contemplating the meaning of a persistent dream he keeps having.
The quest for the meaning of the dream led him to a Gypsy woman who interprets his dream, to his disappointment, in the most mundane fashion.
So he's back to his long for the merchant’s daughter who he meets in a few days.
THOUGHTS
One of the subliminal messages I observed was when he described how sheep experienced life(just being concerned about food) and likened it to the life of his father. This is found in our world today with people trading their dreams for wages. I look forward to a discussion on this point.
This book is so easy to read yet so deep.
I like the fact that it emphasises paradoxical scenarios effortlessly; like a shepherd that reads 🙃.
Chapter three AFRICA-
Santi went on a voyage just to accomplish his dream but then the road to achieving our goals is not an easy one… A friend can betray you, and a brother can stand up against you but if you are resolute and determined you will surely scale through all hurdles.
When you are on a mission do not allow shiny swords to distract you, remain focus.
Learn to recognise omens, and follow them.
A saw in Santi a man determined to push through the difficulties of life. Hard work is key to success, Santi had to clean glasses to survive.
Don’t give up no matter what, keep pushing.
Quotes
when you want something,all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it". Deep right yes and it is true.
Chapter 7 THE OASIS
The journey for the actualization of his dream and that of his friend (Santiago and the Englishman) was delayed as they had to say at the Oasis in the desert due to the war of the tribesmen. The Oasis was only neutral territories but majorly inhabited by women and children.
It is a place of refuge. It is headed or been ruled by the tribal chieftains. The people at the Oasis are very hospitable.
Although the boy thought about his treasure and worry about the fact that the more he get closer to the realization of his dream the more difficult things became. All he and his friend needed was patient, determination and keeping their fate alive until the war is over.
Thank goodness! The boy and Fatima understand the universal language (i.e the language of love) it is the language that every one on earth understand in their heart, it requires no explanation
Fear of failure is a limitation; it was what kept English man from attempting the master work. He had to conquer that fear of failure to be successful.
Indeed the future belongs to God and he alone reveals it to whom he has chosen under extra-ordinatry circumstance.
I agree with the seer that what he does after casting the twigs is guessing.
LESSONS
. If we pay attention to the present, we can improve on it.
. When you are in love, things make more sense.
. If we forget about the future, and live each day in accordance to the teachings, confident that God loves us, in itself brings with it an eternity
A FEW PARTING THOUGHT I GATHERED
Though a fiction but the story line is great, deep, thought-provoking, and shares some of the best principles for living a happier and more successful life.
Here are the 3 out of the many inspiring and eye-opening lessons from The Alchemist:
. You have a Personal Legend that you must follow if you want to be happy and fulfilled._
. Your fear is holding you back more than anything else._
. “The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”_
Who this book is recommended for
The Alchemist is recommended to any one who wants to live a life of fulfillment and intelligence, and anyone that’s tired of living small and wants to beat their fears and fulfill their personal legend.
Thank you
Cheers!!