Paulo Coelho’s ‘The Alchemist’ is a beautiful book. It is about a shepherd boy from the Spanish province of Andalusia, who dreams of travelling the world in search of a treasure as desirable as any ever found. From his home, he journeys to the exotic markets of North Africa and then into the Egyptian desert, where a fateful encounter with an alchemist awaits him.
This book is a treasured and memorable story about the essential wisdom of listening to our heart and following our dreams. It is a book of magic, fantasy, dreams and treasures we seek elsewhere and then find on our doorstep. It is about having dreams and taking the risks to follow them.
Reading this book always sets me back on the right path towards achieving my dreams and goals. We always try to follow others, but this book taught me to follow myself. Recognising my personal legend and omens, identifying the path set by God, connecting my heart with others, feeling a deeper spiritual connection, facing difficulties, linking beautiful Nature with myself, not giving up until I succeed, believing in myself and being bold and strong at all times are just some of the few things this book has given me.
It gives me hope that I will achieve the things I aspire to, only if I strive for it and do not lose hope.
Remember that wherever your heart is, there will you find your treasure. People are capable, at any time in their lives, of living their dreams.
Dreams are meant to be followed. Life is meant to be lived. Some books are meant to be read, loved and passed on. The Alchemist is one of those books.
As Coelho says: “When you want something, all the universe conspires to helping you to achieve it.”
— The reader is a student based in Dubai.
