Hands down, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.
It’s a story of hope, dreams, perseverance and above all, the heart.
The Alchemist touches the soul in ways only some will understand and my goal today is to open your hearts up to this book in hopes that you will read and share your thoughts on this deeply meaningful story.
The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho - a story of hope, dreams, perseverance and above all the heart. #TheAlchemist #PauloCoelho #Inspiration #Quotes Click To TweetThis post contains affiliate links. Disclosure here.
First, for those who haven’t read The Alchemist, here’s a synopsis…
(As described in the book)
“Paulo Coelho’s enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasure found within…”
The best way to unveil The Alchemist is to share the most powerful excerpts (quotes) from the book itself.
If you’re a fan of The Alchemist I also highly recommend these Paulo Coelho books…
The Pilgrimage – A journey across northern Spain, which pilgrims have travelled since Middle Ages.
By the River Piedra I Sat Down to Weep – A story of forgiveness and two young lovers.
Eleven Minutes – A sensual coming of age story for a young Brazilian girl (adult content).
The Witch of Portobello – A story that transforms the way you think about love, passion, joy and sacrifice.
The Alchemist, Quotes for the Heart
The Alchemist touches on so many lessons for the heart to learn… not only how precious love for another is, once found, but the importance of loving yourself. In love, there is fear and suffering, which is worth the heartache for the moments of pure bliss.
“So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.”
“You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it is better to listen to what it has to say.”
“My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer“, the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky. “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.”
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.”
'Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.' The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho #AlchemistQuotes #Wordsofwisdom Click To Tweet
“Because, when you know that language, it’s easy to understand that someone in the world awaits you, whether it’s in the middle of the desert or in some great city. And when two such people encounter each other, and their eyes meet, the past and the future become unimportant. There is only that moment and the incredible certainty that everything under the sun has been written by one hand only. It is the hand that evokes love and creates a twin soul for every person in the world. Without such love, one’s dreams would have no meaning.”
The Alchemist, Quotes for Perseverance
Life is hard and the journey that Santiago (the shepherd) takes is extremely challenging, but what The Alchemist teaches us is that it’s worth forging ahead, even when life gets you down and when it seems impossible. The tough times teach us to appreciate the gifts we truly do have. The gifts that are made possible because we worked for them. We didn’t give up.
“If it’s still in your mind, it’s still worth taking the risk.”
“It will work if you forget all the reasons it won’t.”
“His heart whispered… Be aware of the place where you are brought to tears. That’s where I am, and that’s where your treasure is.”
“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.”
'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.' - The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho #Wisewords #Quotestoliveby #Quotesoftheday Click To Tweet
“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”
“And, when you can’t go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward.”
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.”
'When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.' - The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho #Quotestoliveby #wordsofwisdom #Wisewords Click To Tweet
RELATED: 20 Inspiring Quotes to Give You Strength When You’re Feeling Low
The Alchemist, Quotes for Gratitude
Sometimes if we stop and look around we’ll be able to take in all the little things that are amazing in our lives. Usually, we are moving too fast to notice them when in fact we have hundreds of experiences, people and things to be grateful for. These quotes from The Alchemist remind us to live a life of gratitude, which in return allows us to find happiness.
“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”
“When every day seems the same, that is because people have stopped noticing the good things that appear in their lives…”
'When every day seems the same, that is because people have stopped noticing the good things that appear in their lives...' - The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho #Wisewords #Quotestoliveby #TheAlchemist Click To Tweet
“We are travellers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.”
“I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the 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 now.”
'I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man...' - The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho #Wordsofwisdom #Quotes #TheAlchemist Click To Tweet
The Alchemist, Quotes for Hope
Can you imagine living life without hope? Even if something seems impossible, hope allows us to take a chance, to try harder and to find a way to make wonderful things happen. Hope keeps us going, is stronger than fear and can turn a dream into reality.
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”
“Everything that happens once can never happen again. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time.”
“People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.”
'People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.' - The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho #Wisewords #Quotestoliveby #Quotes Click To Tweet
“It’s one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it’s another to think that yours is the only path.”
“Everyone on earth has a treasure that awaits him.”
If you have yet to read Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, I hope this has made you curious about why 65+ Million copies have been sold worldwide and translated into 70 languages. A modern literary classic.
Have you read The Alchemist? What did you think?
What quotes touch your heart?
Share in the comments below 🙂
Inspired? Please share!
Get inspired. 21 Quotes From The Alchemist That Teaches You About Life and Love - thanks to @paulocoelho #QuotesForLife #WiseWords #WordsofWisdom Click To Tweet
The Alchemist Quotes About Life and Love
I can’t wait to read this book! It sounds amazing.
Hi Jeanne! If you do pick up I’d love to know what you think 🙂
It’s been several years since I read The Alchemist. I think the quotes are more powerful and inspirational now than when I first read the book. It’s impossible for me to pick a favorite, but I like the one, “if it’s still in your mind, it’s still worth taking the risk.” So true.
Hey Margaret! I originally read several years ago too, and then again more recently. I find this book gives you different meaning depending on where you are in your life. Yes – that is a great quote!
It has been several years since I have read this book. Think it is one of the most read books in the world. Great reminder of how good it is.
I loved this book, so much that I read many of his others. I read them as a teenager. I think they have more meaning for me now as an adult. Thank you for this distillation of the books’ best quotes!
This book sounds really really good!! I’m excited to check it out!
Fantastic quotes. Love the one about getting up 8 times when you have fallen over 7 times.
Paulo Coelho is one insightful man! Yes, I love that one too 🙂
Some beautiful quotes. Definitely inspiring and gives you something to think about.
Yes, Paulo Coelho certainly has a way with words. So much to ponder!
I love a book that leaves if you great quotes to ponder and remember! This book is on my list to read this year!
Hi Jen! Glad it’s on your list – I try and encourage as many people as possible to read it. I really hope you enjoy 🙂
I read this book in high school and really liked it! Thanks for sharing these! 🙂
If you have time – I encourage you to read it again! I read it twice so far, at two very different times in my life. I enjoyed it the first time, but fell in love with it the second time 🙂
Yay! These made me smile so much and I LOVE the name of your blog! Pinned 🙂
Have a great week!
~ Melanie
http://www.imagineyou.co.za/
Hey Melanie! So happy these amazing quotes brought a smile to your day 🙂 You have a fab week too!
Love this!
Thanks 🙂
The Alchemist is one of my fave books ever! Just wrote a blog post about my favorite books, and that one was definitely on it. Great post!
It’s just so good isn’t it! I think it should be read every 5 years 🙂
A great list of quotes, thank you for sharing. I want to read the book again now! We read a passage from The Alchemist at my wedding ceremony -the part about two trees growing together until one day they realise that they are no longer two trees, but one.
That’s such a beautiful quote too. So perfect to read at your wedding. Read it again. I’ve read twice and I’m planning on reading again soon. I get something different out of the book each time I read 🙂
I haven’t read the book but noticed some of these quotes are similar to bible verses. Eg Matthew ch 6 v 21 “for where your treasure is there your heart will be also”. And proverbs ch 24 v 16 “the righteous may fall seven times and he will get up again”. Still want to read the book though.
Wow! This book sounds amazing!! the quotes are beautiful!! I will definitely be checking this book out! thank you for sharing!
This is the kind of book you can read over every few years! Right now my favorite quote is “It’s one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it’s another to think that yours is the only path.” A few years ago, I’m sure a different one would have resonated with me the most.
I’ve never read the book but the quotes are beautiful! Must add to my list.
SUCH good collection of quotes!
Thanks for sharing your experience. Amazing quotes. Sure I am thinking to read it again.
This is such an amazing quote collection! – becky
I have not read the Alchemist but you have inspired me to do so. Thanks for sharing. You are putting a lot of work in your posts!
Such a great post, The Alchemist was and is one of my favorite books. I love the level of detail you went into !
I read this book years ago, in a completely different time in my life (pre husband and kids). I imagine the meanings change with different seasons of life. I loved reading this post this morning. And you have inspired me to pick up that book and read it again.
Hi Jenny! Oh yes! I definitely recommend reading it again. I’ve actually read it twice and want to read again soon. I feel that depending on where you are in your life you will get something completely different out of the book. I hope you love the book this time around too 🙂
This is beautiful Yolanda! The Alchemist is one of the books that changed the way I view life. To this day I believe the universe conspires to make your dreams come true.
Thanks so much Sabrina. I am a huge fan of the book and Paulo Coelho! I had a feeling you would be a fan too which I love 🙂 I love your outlook and completely agree xo