Written By: Ume Rubab BS NIPS, QAU ISB
The Alchemist is a famous novel written by Paulo Coelho. This book is about dreams, destiny, faith, and finding the true purpose of life. Although the story looks simple, it carries deep meanings about life and human nature. The book teaches us that everyone has a dream, but only a few people dare to follow it.
The story is about a young boy named Santiago, who lives in Spain. He is a shepherd, and his job is to take care of his sheep. Santiago likes his life because it allows him to travel and see new places. However, deep inside, he feels that his life has a bigger purpose. He wants to explore the world and understand its secrets.
One night, Santiago has a strange dream. In the dream, a child tells him that there is a hidden treasure near the pyramids of Egypt. Santiago sees this dream many times, so he feels that it must have some meaning. To understand his dream, he visits a gypsy woman. She tells him that the dream is a sign and that he should go to Egypt to find the treasure.
Later, Santiago meets an old man who introduces himself as the King of Salem, named Melchizedek. This old man talks to Santiago about something called a *Personal Legend*. According to him, a Personal Legend is a person’s true dream or life purpose. He explains that when people are young, they know what they want, but as they grow older, fear and society stop them from following their dreams. The King encourages Santiago to follow his dream and gives him two stones, Urim and Thummim, to help him make decisions.
Words of The Alchemist that Inspire
Inspired by these words, Santiago sells his sheep and starts his journey to Egypt. His journey is not easy. When he reaches a town in Africa, a man steals all his money. Santiago feels sad and hopeless, but he does not give up. He decides to work at a crystal shop to earn money. The crystal merchant teaches him about patience, hard work, and fear. The merchant has his own dream of going to Mecca, but he is afraid to follow it. Through this character, the author shows how many people choose comfort over their dreams.
After working for a long time, Santiago earns enough money to continue his journey. He joins a caravan traveling through the desert toward Egypt. During this journey, he learns to understand the Language of the World, which means learning from nature, signs, and feelings instead of words. He meets an Englishman who is searching for the secret of alchemy. The Englishman teaches Santiago that knowledge comes not only from books but also from real-life experiences.
The caravan reaches an oasis, where Santiago meets a girl named Fatima. Santiago falls in love with her. Fatima teaches him that true love does not stop a person from following his dreams. She supports Santiago and encourages him to complete his journey. This shows that real love gives freedom and strength, not fear.
In the oasis, Santiago meets a mysterious man known as the Alchemist. The Alchemist becomes his guide and teacher. He teaches Santiago about courage, faith, and listening to his heart. The Alchemist explains that fear of suffering is worse than suffering itself. He also teaches that the soul of the world connects everything, and when a person truly wants something, the universe helps him achieve it.
As Santiago continues his journey through the desert with the Alchemist, he faces many dangers, including tribal wars and threats to his life. At one point, Santiago is forced to prove his spiritual power by turning himself into the wind. Although he is scared, he trusts his heart and the power of nature. This moment shows his growth and confidence.
Finally, Santiago reaches the pyramids of Egypt. He is excited and believes he is close to his treasure. However, when he starts digging, thieves attack him. One of the thieves tells Santiago that he once had a dream about treasure buried near a church in Spain,n but was too foolish to believe in dreams. Santiago realizes that the treasure was actually buried near the church where he first dreamed.
Santiago returns to Spain and finds the treasure under the tree near the church. The treasure is full of gold and jewels. At this moment, Santiago understands the true meaning of his journey. The real treasure was not just gold but the knowledge, experience, wisdom, and self-discovery he gained along the way.
Moral of the Story
The Alchemist teaches many important lessons. The biggest lesson is that everyone has a dream, and they should have the courage to follow it. The book teaches us to trust ourselves, listen to our hearts, and believe in signs. It also shows that difficulties and failures are part of the journey, not the end.
Another important message is that fear is the biggest enemy of success. Many people do not follow their dreams because they are afraid of failure, change, or loss. The book encourages readers to take risks and believe that everything happens for a reason.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Alchemist is not just a story about finding treasure. It is a story about finding oneself. It reminds us that happiness comes from following our true purpose in life. The language of the book is simple, but its message is powerful. This novel inspires readers to dream big, stay hopeful, and trust the journey of life. Read More Book Reviews
