Synopsis
The protagonist is Santiago, a shepherd boy living in Andalusia, Spain. He repeatedly dreams of treasure in the Egyptian pyramids and decides to embark on a journey to uncover it.
During his journey, he encounters various characters:
The mysterious King Melchizedek: A figure who gives him the courage to pursue his dreams
The Crystal Merchant: A symbol of adults who have given up on their dreams due to compromise with reality
The British aspiring alchemist: A person obsessed with knowledge
The True Alchemist: A mentor who teaches him the importance of following his inner voice and the signs of the universe
Fatima, a woman he meets at a desert oasis: A crossroads between love and destiny
As Santiago overcomes trials such as theft, loneliness, and confusion, he comes to realize that “pursuing a dream is a treasure in itself.” At the end of his journey, he finds the “true treasure” in an unexpected place.
Thoughts
This book teaches us the importance of having the courage to pursue our dreams.
I received this book from a junior colleague at work.
After I did, he quit his job and started his own business.
His way of life is truly that of an alchemist, and he teaches me the importance of having dreams.
This book also teaches us to listen to our hearts, that fear of failure can hold us back from our dreams, and that the treasures of life lie along the journey.
It teaches us that in order to carve out our own paths in life, we need to believe in ourselves and move forward.
“When you desire something, the entire universe conspires to help you achieve it.”
These words, a message that runs throughout the entire story, have stayed with me deeply.
