The Alchemist: The Importance of Following Dreams

The Concept of Personal Legends

Nobody follows their dreams; in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist it is stressed that everyone has a designated personal legend. In the reading, it demonstrates “people's inability to choose their own personal legends” inflicted by the world's greatest lie: “our lives become controlled by fate” (Coelho, 1988). Coelho’s writing consists of Santiago, a boy whose legend was kindled by a dream, now he is attempting to reach it. The Alchemist shows how important it is for people to discover and accomplish their personal legends.

The Desire to Follow Dreams

'The Alchemist: The Importance of Following Dreams'

Not everyone follows their legends; only a select few do. In the beginning of the novel, it is shown just who has the desire to accomplish their dream. The crystal merchant didn’t have the heart; he says, “you know that I’m not going to go to Mecca” (Coelho, 1988). Santiago had the youth and the desire to follow his legend and was told, “you know that you’re not going to buy your sheep” (Coelho, 1988). Even if an individual does not follow their legend, it doesn't mean they don't have one. In The Alchemist, Coelho states that “everyone, when they are young, knows what their personal legend is,” only a select few contain the drive to actually go for it (Coelho, 1988). Evidence of this inference can be portrayed by the Englishman and other people trying to understand the legendary emerald tablet. They all have realized that their legend is to obtain the philosopher's stone, yet only the Englishman is actually going out and attempting to achieve his legend. From what the reader sees, the Englishman is the only person who desires the philosopher's stone and has the heart and drive to go all in for his legend. All people have the potential to achieve their personal legends; those who do have the desire and work hard enough can make their dreams come true.

Santiago’s Journey and Growth

It can be inferred from The Alchemist that Santiago has the right personality and ambition to find his treasure. A representation of his personality is when he meets Fatima. Coelho writes, “the soul of the world surged within him,” revealing how Santiago knows the language of the world and how love is intertwined with it (Coelho, 1988). He is described as determined and curious about the world; his dream ignites his desire to find his treasure and learn about life’s greater mysteries. He is one of those individuals built for fulfilling their legends—unlike many others who are too cautious or afraid to take risks for their dreams.

In The Alchemist, many people don't follow their legends—the baker and crystal merchant know what their destinies are but choose not to pursue them due to fear or complacency. When an individual completes their legend, they experience personal growth that transcends mere material gain. Santiago was graced with finding Fatima, learning about omens, understanding love deeply—all enriching experiences irrespective of whether one finds tangible treasure or not. Following dreams enriches life itself even if ultimate goals aren’t fully achieved because meeting new people along with valuable lessons learned throughout such journeys make every step worthwhile.

References:

• Coelho, P. (1988). The Alchemist. HarperCollins Publishers.