The Alchemist Selfish Quotes

1. In the prologue, the alchemist reads a version if the story of the death of Narcissus that has a somewhat different ending from the traditional telling, one that emphasizes the grief of the lake into which Narcissus will no longer be looking at his reflection. In beginning the book with this story, what themes and relationships is Coelho telling us to watch for throughout Santiago’s story? Do you think there may be an element of “narcissism” in the pursuit of one’s personal legend?

In comparison to Ishmael, Santiago also finds a drive to continue. When faced with the challenge of becoming wind, Santiago believes in himself. He “reached through to the Soul of the World, and saw

They had a difficult time convincing their wives that they had to go off into distant fields.” (Coelho 101). The temptation of staying with Fatima in the Al-Fayoum oasis creates an internal conflict within Santiago as he must decide between pursuing his Personal Legend and fulfilling his life’s potential or staying with Fatima in the Al-Fayoum oasis. Through his displays of devotion and loyalty, it is evident that he is hesitant to leave Fatima and all that she represents because he thinks that once he leaves, he might never be able to be with her again. Santiago's interactions with Fatima are vital to his journey as they allow him to reconsider and ultimately devote himself back to his hero’s journey, this time with another goal in mind: to return back to Fatima.

In the book “The Alchemist” there is a young boy named Santiago he had a dream about pyramids and a treasure so he sets off the next day and is trying to discover and accomplish his Personal legend which is a big treasure full of coins. Santiago is a very faithful person he sets off into his adventure and with all the obstacles he goes through he never gave up. He is always finding ways to get through his problems and never stops. He even worked extra hard for the merchant so he could get more coins. Towards the end of the story he talks to Fatima and falls in love with her then he promised her he will come back for her.

He is a stronger and smarter man because of what happened to him. Santiago hit a lot of adversity at the beginning of his journey and it prepared him for the worst of his journey. “Now he understood why the owner of the bar had been so upset: he was trying to tell him not to trust that man.” (Coelho 43). He lost it all and he was prepared for anything for the rest of his journey.

While Santiago was on the quest to find his Personal Legend, he began to forge a close relationship with a caravan driver that was taking him to an oasis. The caravan driver did not look like much, but he had proven to be a very wise man that has much wisdom to offer. During their voyage, tribe wars had begun to take place and everyone seemed to be worried about it except for this driver. Santiago had asked why this was so, and the caravan driver had responded that he does not think about the past, and he does not worry about the future. Instead, he only thinks about what is happening right in front of him and that by doing so he had found the key to his happiness.

Santiago is able to become a deeper thinker and

The book begins with Santiago’s craving for love with a merchant’s daughter to whom he has only spoken with a few words. This “love” is what takes Santiago off track from his pursuit of his Personal Legend as Santiago refers to this love as his main goal in living. However, when Santiago meets Fatima, his true love, it presents a more difficult challenge as it convinces him to abandon his Personal Legend. However, his love with Fatima is acceptable since Fatima encourages him to pursue his Personal Legend. Fatima says, “If I am really a part of your dream, you'll come back one day” (97).

Now that I have seen them, and now that I see how immense my possibilities are, I'm going to feel worse than I did before you arrived. Because I know the things I should be able to accomplish, and I don't want to do so.” This is saying that he can't give up or ignore that he has to achieve his personal legend. Santiago is very caring of those around him, he cared about Fatima he was willing to give up looking for his treasure to stay with her because to him she was considered his treasure already. He also cared about his sheep very much.

128) Santiago was on a quest to find treasure, which would make him happy. He thought the treasure would be an actual object, but instead he realized his true treasures were the ones he felt along the journey, especially when he found Fatima. Love and knowledge will always have more

In the start of the book Coelho introduces the reader to Santiago as a well-read, knowledgeable boy who loves the land he roams with his sheep. This is exemplified in the quote, “He told himself he would have to start reading thicker books: they lasted longer, and made more comfortable pillows.” (Coelho, 5) and also in the quote, “As long as the boy knew how to find the best pastures in Andalusia, they would be his friends.” (Coelho, 9) He also demonstrates a longing for a certain girl in a town he passes through annually which he states in this line, “…only one thing: the girl, the daughter of a merchant who lived in the village they would reach in about 4 days.”

Santiago's journey. In the beginning of his journey to the pyramids, he realizes he is going to need to find a guide, because he is a simple shepherd who knows little to nothing about the pyramids. Even at this point he could just say “ I am a shepherd and I know nothing about the pyramids, why try”, but decides to follow his dream

"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it." (43). Santiago is discovering that in order to pursue his personal legend that he will need to expand his knowledge about the world. Finally, Santiago’s knowledge evolves and as a result he Santiago grows into a wise man. To conclude, the boy understands the value of the advice from the old king.

Sometimes, things may not come out as we want it to be. There may be some unexpected situations that get in the way. “... you are trying to realize your own personal legend, And you are at the point where you’re about to give it all up.” (pg. 25) Since Santiago feels like he can’t accomplish his dreams, he is in a place where it may seem like he can’t control his destiny.

This is illuminated when the Alchemist says, “‘There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure’” (141). This particular moment shows that even though Santiago has both the ability and the knowledge to achieve his dream, it is impossible to attain it if he fears even attempting to reach it. Consequently, this fear acts as his enemy and a barrier that stands in the way of the meaningful and happy life he is destined to accomplish. Furthermore, another one of his fears is the fear of losing what he believes he has already earned. ” He reminded himself that he had been a shepherd and that he could be a shepherd again.