Free Will in Achieving Dreams
The primary lesson in Coelho’s “The Alchemist” is that every person should capitalize on their free will to achieve something valuable. This is why “the secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times” (Coelho 9). According to the book, it is every person’s responsibility to understand the concept of destiny and untangle their existence.
Just like the main character, the audience can follow their dreams and walk down a unique path that pertains to the reader’s struggles. Hence, the book is there to remind us that if we want something, we will be required to apply free will to get it. The universe is not going to respond to those who stand still and wait for the dream to come true. If one does not step forward, they will not have a chance to take control of their fate.
Perseverance and the Pursuit of a Personal Legend
The next lesson in “The Alchemist” is that every person should follow their legend to ensure that their hopes and plans are realized and not ignored. The process of achieving goals is always linked to perseverance and consistency. Hence, “everything that happens once can never happen again… but everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time” (Coelho 137).
Even if it is a majorly philosophical idea, the whole book stands by the fact that determination is one of the few requirements for the personal legend to unfold as expected. The concepts of dreams and achievements are mentioned too often to be misinterpreted, especially when the author serves as the key source of encouragement. Without a personal legend and strong hopes, one cannot be expected to count on the universe and wait for the goals to be achieved.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Action
The need to employ free will and develop one’s legend comes with a high price. Most people are afraid of taking the steps required to advance in life. This is why one should “tell [their] heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself” (Coelho 116). If you lose your dream, you will no longer be able to redeem it because inertia kills dreams.
The main character of “The Alchemist” learns to accept his feelings while also beginning to understand that fear prevents him from becoming stronger and more successful. The biggest lesson Coelho gives is to stop fearing failure and begin focusing on taking action. Irrational fears are dream-crushers, but every person has the right and the ability to control their impulses and overcome unnecessary doubts and their derivatives.
The Value of the Journey
The ultimate lesson included in the book is that every person should strive to find real treasure instead of believing that everything in life is linked to materialistic values. The book is rather direct about the need to pay attention to symbols. Hence, Coelho seems to claim that the real treasure is “wherever your heart is” because humility and determination are much more precious than money (105).
The main character travels to Africa and learns that the treasure is in Spain, but he understands that he would not have seen the world if he had chosen to pursue material stuff. Life is about the journey, and “The Alchemist” vividly represents why one should pay more attention to symbolism and personal needs.
Work Cited
Coelho, Paulo. The Alchemist. HarperOne, 1993.