Introduction: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, is a novel that explores the idea of people's paths of self-discovery, as well as their fulfillment and “success” in life. Coelho embraces this thought by basing the plotline on a boy who takes a magnificent journey to discover, and achieve his “Personal Legend”. The boy, Santiago, is eventually rewarded with treasure when he at last fulfilled his Personal Legend at the end of the book. But in a certain way Coelho left a very subjective question at the end of his story. What was Santiago’s Personal Legend really?
If you’ve read the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, you probably are thinking of similar questions that I am. I’ve always wanted to know my purpose and task in life, so I decided to explore “Personal Legends” a theory from the novel. In this research paper I will enlighten you of everything anybody would even want to know about Personal Legends. The process of finding your Personal Legend can be a long and confusing trail, but starting the journey now could have a new meaning of life and how you live it. A Personal Legend in this day and age is simply defined as: “ones blessing; the path God has chosen for you here on Earth”.
The extreme importance of achieving Ma’at, developing a strong Ba, and living in accordance with Egyptians’ religious beliefs is clearly evident throughout the Egyptian instructional text, “The Teaching for King Merikare.” Comparing “The Teaching for King Merikare” to the renowned Western instructional text, “The Prince,” by Machiavelli, it is further evident that the ancient Egyptians valued religion and spirituality over the Western teachings to strive for worldly, materialistic achievements. In both “The Teaching for King Merikare” and “The Prince,” how the prince earns and secures his position to the throne determined how a successful prince conducts himself. In “The Prince,” Machiavelli advises the prince to lie, commit immoral actions, and do whatever he can to keep his power and land. Machiavelli states, “And I know that everyone will confess that it would be most praiseworthy in a prince to exhibit all the qualities that are considered good; but because they can neither be entirely possessed nor observed, for human conditions do not permit it, it is necessary for him to be sufficiently prudent that he may know how to avoid the reproach of those vices which would lose him his state; and also to keep himself, if it be
Martin Luther King called out to the right minded people “Now is the time to stand as tall proud unfettered men and it is time to cast off the shackles of oppression and go forth into the light of freedom.” (Reality Magazine 1996-2006) Simply because of the actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. our entire world has benefited from his strength and trying efforts, because of his outstanding leadership which brought out hope and determination for change to millions people. His philosophy for life and humanity was
This shows that God is all caring as he will do anything to make his creation as good as possible. In Genesis 12 when God is talking to Abraham it shows his love for human kind when he says that all the people on the earth will be blessed through you as I will bless those who bless you. He also says “leave your country, your people and your father’s
Some characters in the novel aid in his efforts, some characters spit and trample on his efforts, and some characters perplex him. No matter the differentiations between which character contributes what effect, they each accompany Santiago with an understanding and awareness that leads to a life-changing epiphany at the end of his journey: the location of his treasure. Coelho builds Santiago’s character from the commencement of the novel to the novel’s completion, all the while utilizing the techniques of repetition and imagery to identify his newly developed perceptions. Like most young adults, Santiago embarks on his journey with a seed of knowledge that matures into a fully fledged apple tree of understanding by the end of his journey. Towards the beginning of his travels, Santiago is simply a shepherd boy, apprehensive to follow his dreams and intuitions.
They guaranteed his comfort and aided him as a guide to his people through worship as well as intervention through ritual ceremonies, (Robins). The ideal Egyptian king was capable, pious and wise in the ways of the spiritual world, (Robins). When he maintained his responsibilities the nation was prosperous and smiled upon by the gods, (Robins). For the Ancient Egyptians, government, spiritual health and their place in the universe lay on the shoulders of their king. Examples inside the royal tombs where the king is shown in carvings as well as in statues are examples of his elevated “position in the cosmos, (Robins).” Symbols of the general life can be found in the pyramids, such as the
My Personal Journey Journeys are moments in life that define and reconstruct the myths we create about ourselves and others. All too often the ideals of a biased community or select group are viewed as the model by which all individuals must follow. To escape the pressures of a collective standard a person must travel outside the constraints of a community and discover his or her own true identity. On such a journey one can expect moments of planned reflection or unexpected instances of revelation. A journey is every minute of my existence, as I travel through life and try to ascertain my own presence in its cycle.
In Beowulf the quote “Shield had a son, child for his yard, sent by God to comfort the people”(Beowulf episode 3) they believed God sent them the son to relieve them of all their worries. Unlike Pagans who believe that spirits send them people other things, Christians believed that God did everything for a reason. “So Hrothgar decided he would build a mead-hall, the greatest the world had ever seen, or even imagined. There he would share out to young and old alike all that God gave him” (Beowulf part 2) Hrothgar was obviously a Christian because he thought God gave him all his finer things in life. He thought God was the reason all the good things were happening to him.
The Question of Identity? The biblical worldview identifies the value and respect God has for mankind by giving him authority to rule over His creation (Psalms. 8:4-6) (Consider 2011). This authority places the responsibility on mankind to care for and nurture the creation entrusted to him, and enjoy the rich blessing that come from his labor. But more importantly, God has given us a glimpse into His nature by creating man as a reflection of His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-28).