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  • Essay / What lessons did Santiago learn in "The Alchemist"

    Sometimes life's greatest lessons come from unexpected sources. Paulo Coelho's novel, "The Alchemist," tells the story of Santiago, a young shepherd who embarks on a journey to discover his personal legend. Throughout his adventures, Santiago learns valuable life lessons that not only transform his own life, but also offer valuable insights to readers. This essay will explore the lessons Santiago learned from “The Alchemist” and how they align with academic conventions of essay writing. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay One of the central themes of “The Alchemist” revolves around the pursuit of one's dreams and personal legend. Santiago initially dreams of finding hidden treasure in the Egyptian pyramids, and this dream serves as a metaphor for his deep desire to find meaning and purpose in life. Throughout his journey, Santiago learns the importance of remaining true to his dreams, even in the face of obstacles and setbacks. Coelho writes: “When you want something, the whole universe conspires to help you achieve it” (Coelho, 25). This quote emphasizes the idea that when one truly commits to their dreams, the universe aligns to support them. Santiago's unwavering commitment to his personal legend inspires readers to think about their own dreams and the steps they can take to achieve them. Another crucial lesson Santiago learns throughout his journey is the importance of accepting change. As a shepherd, Santiago feels comfortable with his routine and the familiarity of his surroundings. However, the call to adventure pushes him out of his comfort zone and forces him to face the unknown. Coelho writes: “People learn very early in life what their purpose is,” the old man says with a certain bitterness. . “Maybe that’s also why they give up so early. But that’s how it is” (Coelho, 57). This quote highlights the idea that people often discover their dreams early in life, but may abandon them due to fear or societal pressures. Santiago's willingness to embrace change encourages readers to step out of their comfort zone and explore new possibilities. Throughout Santiago's journey, he meets various characters who guide him and teach him valuable lessons. One such character is the Alchemist, who teaches Santiago the importance of trusting the journey rather than focusing solely on the end goal. The Alchemist emphasizes the concept of “maktub”, which means “it is written”. This belief suggests that everything happens for a reason and that every experience contributes to one's personal legend. Santiago learns from the Alchemist: "The secret of happiness is to see all the wonders of the world and never forget the drops of oil on the spoon" (Coelho, 134). This quote reminds readers to appreciate the little moments of life and finding joy in the journey rather than focusing solely on the destination In conclusion, Santiago's journey in "The Alchemist" teaches valuable lessons that align with academic essay writing conventions. He learns the importance of following your dreams, embracing change, and trusting the journey. These lessons inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and consider how they can apply these principles to their own journeys. .Keep in mind: This is just a sample Get a personalized article from our expert writers now...