My Deep Dive into *The Alchemist*: It's Like Reading My Own Blueprintt
When I first picked up The Alchemist by PPaulo Coelho in 2021, I wasn’t expecting it to feel like a mirror reflecting my own life. It wasn’t just a fun adventure story; it was like a deep conversation with my own aspirations. Santiago’s quest for treasure, his journey to the pyramids, it just spoke to my own longing to find my place, my purpose. I have this deep drive to be a scientist and innovator, to create things that can actually make a difference in the world. It’s this feeling that there is something more for me out there and I need to find it. It’s like my internal compass is always pointing towards new discoveries and problem-solving, which is exactly what I felt with Santiago’s determination to reach the Pyramids, even though he doesn’t know if there is a treasure there, he is just going for it.
The whole idea that Santiago’s treasure was buried right where he began, well, that blew my mind. It’s a paradox, right? He travels all over the world, faces danger, learns so much, only to return to the very place he started. For me, this highlights that the treasure isn’t some static thing you reach at the end, but something you cultivate within yourself along the way. It’s like the process of learning, growing, and evolving is the actual treasure – not the goal itself. My life is not linear, and it doesn’t need to be, it will be full of twists and turns like Santiago’s journey, but that is ok.
Psychology and Personal Legends: It’s Deeper Than a Treasure Hunt
From a psychological point of view, Santiago’s journey is like this path of self-discovery that I feel in my own life. There is this theory, Maslow’s hierarchy, that people have this need to reach their full potential, and Santiago’s following of his “Personal Legend” is this whole-hearted pursuit. Like, he doesn’t just stay a shepherd; he takes a leap, learns new skills, faces his fears. Just like me, when I start on an idea in my field, I have to learn and research, push myself out of my comfort zone to achieve something that can help the world. It’s not just about external goals; it’s about that inner growth that changes who you are. I also relate with his doubts, for each step he had to give up something, and I face similar feeling when I start on new path or leave something behind.
Then there’s the bigger philosophical ideas, the “Soul of the World.” It’s this feeling that everything is connected, that there’s meaning in everything. I loved the parts with the omens, how Santiago learns to read them. It’s like being tuned into the world’s “language,” finding your path not just through logic, but also through intuition and a deep connection to the present moment, very much like how I am navigating my path in life. There is a guiding force, a purpose I need to fulfil in my life. There is a sense of destiny, but at the same time, we have to choose to take the road, which was quite interesting. There is no fixed destiny, we have the option to choose to pursue our dreams.
Hindu Echoes and Technological Alchemy
The cyclical feeling of the story, where Santiago comes back to the starting point, also made me think of these Hindu concepts, like the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, this endless cycle of experiences. It makes me wonder if my path, like his, will involve repeating patterns, but each time with deeper meaning and impact. Also, the idea of finding your “dharma,” your purpose, was similar to Santiago’s own journey, the pursuit of what is right for you.
And you know, thinking about my own passion for science and innovation, I see a strange similarity with alchemy, but in a modern way. Alchemists were trying to transform things, right? Well, I feel like I’m doing that too, but with technology and science, trying to transform ideas into real-world solutions that make life better for people. I take a problem and try to work on it to find a new and useful solution. For example, Santiago is looking for the physical treasure, and I am looking for ways to improve people’s life.
The Heart of It: It’s Not the Destination, It’s the Transformation
The Alchemist is a reminder that life’s journey isn’t just about achieving some final goal. It’s about learning from the people we meet, the experiences we have, and the places we go. It’s about becoming more resilient, more compassionate, and more connected to the world around us. I feel like that is what happened with Santiago’s journey, how each step of the way he transformed and gained wisdom. My own journey might be filled with detours and unexpected turns. But, just like Santiago’s, I believe that every challenge and experience will shape me into the person I’m meant to be and that my true treasure lies in the transformation I undergo, not just in reaching some distant goal. The journey is my reward and that’s why the book is so beautiful. That’s the key message that resonates with me, and it’s why The Alchemist will always have a special place in my heart.
