“One of Paulo Coelho's best works, The Alchemist is not just philosophy, it's good philosophy. It tells us that life is not about consequences, but about the journey.” Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Coelho grew up in a middle-class family in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His father wanted him to follow in his footsteps and become an engineer, but after declaring his desire to become a writer, Coelho was put in and out of mental institutions for three years. Coelho is one of the best-selling authors in the world. The Alchemist, inspired by a tale from the Arabian Nights, has sold 20 million copies. He also won the Guinness Book of Records for the most translated book by a living author. Santiago the shepherd lives in the hills of Andalusia. His parents always worked hard for the basics of life and consequently extinguished their own aspirations. Andalusia is a beautiful place and also a very popular tourist destination thanks to its unusual villages and rolling hills, but for her parents it is an unimaginative place. Santiago is very different from his parents, he is educated, ambitious and wants to see the world. Although he loves his flock he couldn't help but notice the finite nature of their reality, they were only looking for food and water and couldn't admire the beauty of nature. One day he goes to the city to sell part of his flock, and meets a wandering king and a gypsy who urge him to leave the world as he knows it and "follow his omens". The gypsy reveals that the pyramids of Egypt contain the treasure he seeks and directs him there. Trusting her madly, he trades his flock and sets sail for Egypt. Early in his journey he experiences a setback when a thief in Tangier loots him of his possessions. A lot of work and regime for a small business! But, surprisingly, Santiago was not discouraged, as he had the security of knowing he was on the right path. His life now was a complete contrast to his life before, every day was new and rewarding. He always reminds himself of what he has been advised on the market before saying, “When you want something, the entire universe conspires to help you achieve it.” The concept of pursuing your ambitious dreams is great, but is hope based on nothing? When you reflect on the time and effort you put into something once you're dedicated, probably not. What you think is “the universe conspiring to give you what you want” is actually and more accurately a reflection of your perseverance to make something happen. Reading "The Alchemist" we are reminded of Goethe's requirement: "'Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it: audacity has genius, power and magic in it." price, but as Coelho has said in many of his interviews, not living your dream also has a price. For the same price he said, "You can buy a horrible jacket that doesn't fit, or one that fits and fits." This book tells us that there will be difficulties in whatever you do in life, but it is better to have problems that make sense because they ultimately lead you to your goals. Otherwise, adversity just feels insidious, one horrible obstacle after another. Those who follow their dreams and aspirations have the greatest responsibility to manage their own freedom. While this may not seem like a large expense, it requires a certain amount of attention that we may not be used to. When Santiago meets the old man in the town square, the old man tells him not to believe the "biggest lie" that you cannot control your destiny. He tells Santiago that he can control his own destiny but to do so.