A Magical Tale About Following Your Dream.
Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery.
Animated Summary by OnePercentBetter
Key Takeaways
The Alchemist is a delightful fable in which a shepherd named Santiago travels from his home in spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different, and far more satisfying, than he ever imagined.
During his travels, he meets a gypsy woman, a king, and an alchemist who help him along the way. Nobody knows what the treasure is.
Santiago’s journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.
Lesson 1: Recognize The Good Things
When each day is the same as the next, it is because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives everyday that the sun rises.
- The secret of happiness is to maintain purpose and at the same time experience everything life has to offer.
Lesson 2: Live In The Present
Your past was the present and the future becomes a present, so the present is the only moment in which you can live your life. Make the most of it. Stop mulling over the past and worrying about the future.
This is not to say that you can’t learn from your mistakes in the past or plan for the future, but remember to be fully conscious each day.
“If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy person. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living now.”
Lesson 3: Life Is Interesting When You Have A Dream
If you don’t know what your dream is, try something new, but whatever you do, never stop dreaming.
- You will regret not following your dreams. Every blessing ignored, becomes a curse. Although sometimes in life it may be tempting to choose security in a steady job, if you do not follow your dreams it will become a curse.
- You will always wonder what if, how different could your life of been, could your life have everything you ever wanted if only you were brave enough to follow your dream.
- Don’t let failures put you off chasing your dreams.
- When you commit to chasing your dreams, it brings out the very best in you to reach that goal.
Lesson 4: Everyone Learns Differently
Whether you’re learning or teaching, remember that everyone learns differently. You can take a free online test to figure out what your learning style is. Learn more and discover your learning style.
- There is only one way to learn and that’s through action. Experience trumps knowledge. Once you start your journey, you will learn the most. The things you encounter and the mistakes you make will teach you what you really need to know.
Lesson 5: Become Better Than You Are
"When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too."
Lesson 6: Follow Your Heart
"Wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure. You'll never be able to escape from your heart, so it's better to listen to what it has to say."
- Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should live their lives, but none about his or her own. It is very easy to become influenced by others and get diverted away from your dreams by people telling us what they think we should do.
- No one understands your dreams, goals, desires better than you do and you’ll be miserable if you end up living someone else’s life.
"And when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."