12 Things I Learned From The Alchemist

I haven't posted in a while, partly because of poor internet connection and also because I've focused more on reading than writing for this blog. But I'm back now and I'd like to share some things with you in this post. Here are 12 lessons I learned from reading Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. I recommend the book for you lot.

1. The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world and never forget the drops of oil on the spoon

This means that it is a good thing to enjoy as much as we can in the world but we must never forget that which is our primary purpose or assignment here.

2. There's a force that wants you to realize your destiny; it whets your appetite with a taste of success

We are not created ordinary. Within each man is a purpose which he must fulfill. When this purpose is discovered, God moves heaven and earth to ensure we fulfill it. In so doing and at the very beginning, He encourages us to go on by giving us a taste of success. However, we mustn't be deceived, as many have been in the past, that this initial success means everything will always go smoothly and without challenges.

3. "Why do you tend sheep?" asked Melchizedek. The boy replied, "Because I like to travel."

If you cannot simply and directly explain why you do what you do, you're probably doing the wrong thing, or you just don't know what you're doing.

4. If God leads the sheep so well, He will also lead a man. He who gives sheep a shepherd will not abandon His own favorite creation.

5. When you really want something, the universe always conspires in your favor to help you achieve it.

6. "Am I a poor victim of a thief or am I an adventurer looking for treasure?"

This was the question The Boy asked himself after he was robbed of all his money by a stranger pretending to be a helper. This simply shows that the perspective from which you view your setbacks determines whether you can turn them around for your benefit or you just keep moaning and remain a loser.

7. People are capable at any time in their lives of doing what they dream of. No matter what age. However, they allow the negatives of reality set in and rob them of their dreams, hence, they settle for less than they are made for.

8. Some like the idea of dreaming but not the idea of achieving. They are too lazy to get up and take action and so they keep procrastinating the fulfillment of their dreams.

9. Some people are satisfied with stagnation. They are not open to the idea of change because they don't know how to deal with it or they don't want to take the risk that progress involves. They know the things they should be able to accomplish but don't want to do so.

10. There is a language in the world that everyone understands; a language of enthusiasm, of things accomplished with love and purpose, as part of a search for something believed in and desired.

11. When life rewards you, don't ever feel or say it's more than you deserve, for the next time, your reward may be less.

12. Be patient and wait for your success so that you will enjoy it when the time comes.

The Alchemist is one of the 100 greatest books ever written. However, it did not become popular immediately it was written. It took a fairly long time for people to accept it. In fact, the author faced rejection from a number of publishers before it was finally published.

These are some of the lessons I learned from reading The Alchemist. Have you read the book? Kindly share your thoughts about it in the comments section below. You are deeply appreciated.