Quotes from The Alchemist

English: The Alchemist (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An international bestseller written by Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist tells the story of an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago and his journey to Egypt, in search of his own personal legend. The book is a great read for those who have dreams; and for those who don’t have dreams or those who are still uncertain as to their dream, The Alchemist may prove a great help in discovering personal legends.

Here are some quotes/texts from the book:

It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting… (Santiago‘s thoughts)

It’s the simple things in life that are most extraordinary; only wise men are able to understand them. ~Gypsy

Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own. (Santiago‘s thoughts)

“It’s this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s the world’s greatest lie.” ~Melchizedek, King of Salem

“The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon.” ~Wise Man

“I’m like everyone else – I see the world in terms of what I would like to see happen, not what actually does.” ~Santiago

There must be a language that doesn’t depend on words. (Santiago‘s thoughts)

“You must always know what it is that you want.” ~King

“…every blessing ignored becomes a curse…” ~Old Man, Merchant

“Never stop dreaming, follow the omens.” ~King

“There’s no such thing as coincidence.” ~Englishman

“…people need not fear the unknown if they are capable of achieving what they need and want.” ~Camel Driver

“…And when you can’t go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward…” ~Camel Driver

“Everyone has his or her own way of learning things.” ~Santiago

“…If you can concentrate always on your present, you’ll be a happy man… Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.” ~Santiago

“It’s not what enters men’s mouth that’s evil, it’s what comes out of their mouths that is.” ~The Alchemist

“Life attracts life.” ~The Alchemist

“Men dream more about coming home than about leaving.” ~Santiago

“There is only one way to learn, it’s through action…” ~Santiago

“Usually the threat of death makes people a lot more aware of their lives.” ~The Alchemist

“When you are loved, there’s no need at all to understand what’s happening, because everything happens within you…” ~Santiago

“Where your treasure is, there also will be your heart.” ~The Alchemist

Silence

god (Photo credit: the|G|™)

It was the first time I saw you, sleeping peacefully. It was as if nothing in this world could harm you, nothing can disturb you nor hurt you. You looked so calm, it was as if you were finally home. That moment happened years ago, and all I can recall were fragments of what happened during those two days that we spent time with you on that particular summer.

I cannot describe how I felt that day, it was a mixture of awe, regret and sadness. The next day was even worse, for your daughter was trying to call your attention but you would not answer, no matter what she said or did, you did not give her the smile or the hug that you usually give her. You did not utter anything or made any move to approach her and comfort her so that she would stop crying. You did not do anything, and I know it was not what you wanted but there was nothing you can do about it anymore.

Perhaps that moment was too painful, that only fragments remained on my mind. It was your wake when I saw you, I would like to think then that you were just sleeping. But sadly, you were gone, I can say your name a million times but you won’t hear it. I could never get to hear you call my name. That chance no longer exists. We were denied a lot of things. We came for your internment and how I wished the reunion was a happier circumstance, but it wasn’t.

I remember seeing the following words on a card that day:

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call;
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seems all to brief;
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.

Perhaps that was your message for us or it was God’s way of letting us know that you were finally home; free from pain, sorrow, and all the things in this world that has hurt you.

It was the first and last time I saw you. You were too young to die. Under circumstances that were beyond our control, we lived separate lives. You were the brother I never met but you are greatly missed.

Serenade

Serenade centrum (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your eyes,
A mix of nostalgia,
Euphoria and pain
That soft, gentle
Short moment,
Unintentional
Irrevocable,
It froze time,
Right through the veins
Oblivious
To the world
Outside
Speaking
A language
Unknown
Melody after melody
Short
Bittersweet
Moments
Carved
In destiny’s timeline
You were but a stranger
Who’s echoes are embraced
In dreams
Your voice no longer
Hums the melodies
Your heart sings
A broken harp
Never a full circle,
Coming a little
Too late

Faith

You are not what you think you are...But what you think - You are (Photo credit: Spiritual Quotes To Live By)

What if you are in a tough situation and you are uncertain of the result of all your efforts? What if everyone around you thinks it is an impossible feat? What if other people are telling you it is hopeless?

Be still. Do not pay attention to pessimists who will try to bring you down, discourage you and weaken your resolve to succeed. Continue with your journey, hold on, walk with the Father and have faith.

The antidote to frustration is a calm faith, not in your own cleverness, or in hard toil, but in God‘s guidance.
– Norman Vincent Peale

As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit.
– Emmanuel Teney

Frequently remind yourself that God is with you, that He will never fail you, that you can count upon him. Say these words, “God is with me, helping me.”
– Norman Vincent Peale

Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.
– Voltaire

When God calls you to do something, he enables you to do it.
–Robert Schuller

He who has faith has… an inward reservoir of courage, hope, confidence, calmness, and assuring trust that all will come out well – even though to the world it may appear to come out most badly.
– B. C. Forbes

All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired.
– Martin Luther

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall make your path straight.
– Proverbs 3:5-6