Book of the Week: The Alchemist

18 Oct 2015

I never heard of The Alchemist, but my coworker was reading it, so I thought I’d also give it a read. The Alchemist was originally published in Brazil and subsequently translated from Portuguese into English. It is hard to write about this book without revealing spoilers. It is short enough that you can read it in a sitting or two. Personal Legend The book is about pursuing your Personal Legend, what you have always wanted to accomplish.

You have been a real blessing to me. Today, I understand something I didn’t see before: every blessing ignored becomes a curse. I don’t want anything else in life. But you are forcing me to look at wealth and at horizons I have never known. 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. - old crystal merchant

Some people are content with their current lives and sometimes it is best to leave them be. They will have dreams, but will never accomplish them. It is always next year, or when I have enough money, or some other lame excuse, because the lack the courage to go after what they want.

They were seeking the treasure of their Personal Legend, without wanting actually to live out the Personal Legend. - the alchemist

It is as much about the journey as the destination. Everyone wants the reward without going through the suffering of paying their dues. Those who don’t pay their dues or quit when the going gets tough, never find their reward. Purchase The Alchemist on Amazon.com or check it out from your local library.