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"before a dream is realized, the Soul of the
World tests everything that was learned along the way. It does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams, master the lessons we’ve learned as we’ve moved toward that dream.
That’s the point at which most people give up. It’s the point at which, as we say in the language of the desert, one "dies of thirst just when the palm trees have appeared on the horizon."
— Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist Notes
Paulo Coelho
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I find it rather interesting that it has taken me so long to read this book. Just the other day I was on Stumble and came up a top ten-book list it was there I found The Alchemist. It was a fast read but was so packed with little one liners that I am going to have to go through it again to pick them all up.
For some people the Alchemist is going to be almost like scripture but I could see others just tossing it aside. It is one of those books that the more experience you have with trials, test, and heartache the more it will apply to you. I personally feel that this book came to me when I most needed its wisdom. Life has a funny way of giving you things when you most need them.
Lets Jump right in
One of the most popular novels to emerge in the past twenty years, Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist , a story about the necessary pursuit of happiness, has endeared its author to thousands of readers worldwide
The Alchemist traces the path of Santiago, a young Spanish shepherd who is compelled to follow his dream of finding hidden treasure in Egypt. To do so, he must leave the comfort zone of home, learn to trust the “Soul of the World,” and believe that there are forces in the universe that want us to be happy. In order to find happiness, however,
Santiago must first discover his “Personal Legend”—that is to www.yinc.co Jace Vernon

This Quote pretty much summed up the whole book. Most of the time people end up quitting right before they achieve success. It is very hard to endure the trails that await those who pursue their dreams. Don’t Quit
READ READ AND RE_READ say, he must to discover what he is meant to do in the world.
Fortunately, Santiago soon takes the first step in his acquisition of happiness: he listens to his heart and overcomes fear. As Santiago continues his sometimes-painful journey, he discovers that one cannot be dissuaded from pursuing a “Personal Legend,” even if the choices seem impossible to bear. The end result for anyone who does so,
Coelho assures his readers, is physical and spiritual reward.
Santiago must let go in order to receive real love, find fortune, and achieve understanding. Like all of those who dare to dream, Santiago experiences setbacks. During his journey, Santiago is delayed as he works for many months in a crystal shop. When he is able to raise enough money to travel, the reality of tribal warfare threatens his life. But like an adventurer in the midst of a sandstorm, Santiago keeps his eyes on the path and his mind on his task. When he eventually realizes his dreams, they are better than he could have ever imagined.
"before a dream is realized, the Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way. It does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams, master the lessons we’ve learned as we’ve moved toward that dream. That’s the point at which most people give up. It’s the point at which, as we say in the language of the desert, one "dies of thirst just when the palm trees have appeared on the horizon."
— Paulo Coelho
“Every search begins with beginners luck and ends with the victor’s being severely tested.”—Paulo Coelho
“Well, maybe I just want to know the future so I can prepare myself for what’s coming.” “If good things are coming, they will be a pleasant surprise, said the seer. “If bad things are and you know in advance, you will suffer greatly before they even occur. The secret is here in the present. If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it. And, if you improve on the present, what comes later will also be better. Forget about the future, and live each day according to the teachings, confident that God loves his
2   The  Alchemist  Notes

When sharing your problems or success with others. You will be surprised how little others care. But by listening to others problems and successes you will be surprised how many friends you aquire.
Listening is a forgotten characteristic.
The Alchemist Notes his children. Each day, in itself, brings with it an eternity.”
People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don’t deserve them, or that they’ll be unable to achieve them. – page 130
“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. – page 130.
When you possess great treasures within you, and try to tell others of them, seldom are you believed. – page 134
"There is only one way to learn," the alchemist answered. "It's through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey."
The Alchemist To Santiago.
The boy didn't know what a person's "destiny" was.
"It's what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their destiny is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their destiny... It's a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your destiny. It prepares your spirit and you will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It's your mission on earth." The Alchemist Old king to Santiago. http://yinc.co/videos/pursuit-of-happyness/ www.yinc.co Jace Vernon

Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you are because of him, or her, or anybody.
Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You’re better than that! http://yinc.co/videos/ rocky-speech-to-son/
4   The  Alchemist  Notes
After reading book like The Alchemist most of us have a renewed strength to a push harder toward our dreams. We all like it when the work pays off, but wait, what happens when there is not happy ending? Santiago (the boy) went through many trials and test to achieve his dreams. He made it and success was his but what happens to a person’s happiness when their dreams do not come true? Does this mean that you are a failure and you do not deserve to be happy? Of course it doesn’t. “Men are that they might have Joy” and achieving our dreams and desires does not bring the ultimate Joy. It is the Journey and how we participate in the journey that brings the Joy. The achievement of our desires is an event but the Journey is what makes up a life. Part of life is learning to want what you already have. We can often times make ourselves miserable by constantly wanting more. The average millionaire is not satisfied with his purse he wants more money. The obese American always wants more food, and the celebrity always wants more fame.
Paulo made a great point, in The Alchemist of enjoying the journey. We need to enjoy the Journey and find a purpose in our struggles. The boy never seemed to be in a big rush and he took things a day at a time. One particular part that stood out to me was how many time the boy lost his life savings. We have to be able to lose things. The young boy lost his entire life savings 3 times and instead of searching for justice and playing the “woe is me card” he went to work.
Not once did he mention injustice although it was exactly what was dealt to him. Seeking for justice when you have been wronged will drain your energy and it could cause you to miss future opportunities. Leave Justice alone to him whos right it is to Judge.
“And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away they coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.”
Dreams ought to be pursued but who you become while pursing your dreams is the most important.