Top 3 The Alchemist quotes
" They trust me, and they've forgotten how to rely on their own instincts." - Santiago, Part 1
Santiago is talking about his sheep. It is evident to the reader that Santiago cares for the sheep, but he expresses a certain dislike for their simple wants in life. Santiago is displeased that his sheep don't seem to care whether they walk through a new road, or pass by verdant fields, their only concern lies in food and water. Later onwards, Santiago meets people much like the sheep, people who give up on achieving their Personal Legends and fail to use their instincts.
"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself." -The Alchemist, Part 2
Santiago is sad to leave Fatima behind and feels the agitation and fear from the decision affect his heart. The Alchemist assuages Santiago by telling him that he would have experienced far more suffering if he had chosen to ignore his Personal Legend. Although it is painful to leave Fatima behind, that pain is minute in comparison to abandoning the treasure.
"It's true; life really is generous to those who pursue their Personal Legend. " -Santiago, Epilogue
These are Santiago's final thoughts at the close of the book, and in them, he restates the importance of pursuing one's Personal Legend. According to the book, the only spiritual aim of life lies in the pursuit of a Personal Legend, and life rewards those who fulfill that journey more than those that abandon it.
