Claim: Everyone has their own ‘personal legend’ they should try and pursue.
Evidence: “Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure. You've got
to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense.” (The
Alchemist, 119)
Reasoning: The alchemist speaks to Santiago as they share forbidden wine in his tent. By this
time, they trust each other and speak the same language. The alchemist reminds Santiago that
the path to finding a personal legend lies in the heart of the one who conceived it. The alchemist
also recognizes Santiago as a reader of omens and a kindred spirit, and Santiago recognizes
the alchemist as a wise teacher who’s of the same blood as the old king.
Evidence: “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no
heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the
search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.” (The Alchemist, 130)
Reasoning: Santiago is afraid of the suffering that his heart will receive along the path to his
personal legend. The Alchemist sees that he’s afraid and tells him that the fear of suffering is
more painful than the suffering itself, signifying that Santiago shouldn’t keep dwelling on the
thought and instead just take a leap of faith.