Why Paulo Coelho’s Book ‘The Alchemist’ Sold over 150 Million Copies

Brazilian born lyricist and novelist, Paulo Coelho celebrates the 25th anniversary of his best selling book ‘The Alchemist’.

The Alchemist has sold over 150 million copies worldwide, won 115 international prizes and awards, has been translated into 80 languages, and is still on the New York Times bestseller list today.

What is The Alchemist about?

The Alchemist follows the journey of a young shepherd boy, Santiago, who believes his recurring dreams to be prophetic. He decides to visit a fortune-teller in a nearby town to discover its meaning.

Early into his journey, he meets an old king, who tells him to sell his sheep to travel to Egypt and introduces the idea of a Personal Legend.

Your Personal Legend “is what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is”.

Paulo adds that “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”.

This is the core theme of the book.

Why is this book so great?

What makes the Alchemist unique is the absolute simplicity and straightforwardness in it’s desired message.

This book beautifully explores the realities and the practicalities of listening to your inner being and having the courage to follow your dreams.

Watch Will Smith’s thoughts on The Alchemist:

“The Alchemist” Quotes to Live By

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”

“One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.”

“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”

Have you read The Alchemist? What are your thoughts?