Looking back on The Alchemist

The plot and thesis of the book is definitely within the line Melchizedek says to Santiago when he states that "when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it". He is basically foreshadowing major events in the book without the reader even knowing it. Those events are quite literal too. Its quite funny how all of the things happen so interestingly. The events that unfold in terms of the storm and Santiago connecting with the sun, wind, soul of the world, they all quite literally relate to the thesis. Santiago along with the reader in the beginning of the book probably wrote off that little quote, maybe even thinking that Melchizedek was a completely random dude who was trying to bum something off him. Maybe not. Point is, the guy made one hell of a point.

                 When Santiago turned himself "into the wind", a whole lot really hit me. I guess I just found it to be so intriguing in terms of metaphoric value. Grant it, this is all just a book but when you look at the whole picture and whats going on, things are just crazy at this point. Santiago is learning to harness his ability to speak to the universe, hes understanding that his soul is connected to that of the world and God. Things are crazy. When it all boils down to it, he sort of figures it all out. He is what he wants to be. If he wants to be a merchant he shall be one through his will. If he wants to be a shepherd, if he wants to be rich, it will happen through his actions. If he wants to be an alchemist, or even the wind, it will happen through himself only. It relates to my experiences in real life because if I want to be successful, if I want to pursue a dream, its on one person: me.

                 I loved just about everything in the book. I can't say there were parts I did not enjoy. Every little bit was like a piece of lore that fit into place like a puzzle. I loved the magic, both the literal, and the metaphysical type. It made so much sense to me.To put it in the only way I can; I felt like I always looked at life in this way, it was just that I didn't know how to explain it. I always knew of these things that the book went into detail on, I just never knew how to point them out. I did feel like there could have been a lot more to the book. I love action, so of course I would've loved to have seen a little more, but it sufficed. I can say that the book could have elaborated more on Santiago's travels, not that they were very vague. It just felt like it hopped around in such a haste-ful way. Overall however, the book was great, and that's coming from a guy whom hates to read.

                Yes. In fact, I already have. I recommended it to a friend of mine, Ben, for the fact that he loves to read and is very interested in the metaphysical philosophies of life. I know that might seem like a mouthful, but its true. The book can be one hell of a motivator, and with that really tells you a lot of things that you already know, but weren't too sure about. Not only is it interesting, but like I said, it gets to the truth about life. If you want something to happen to you, the only person that will make it happen is yourself. You can sit around wishing that you'll get money, become successful, do this or obtain that, but until you decide to get off the couch and make some moves you're going to be in the same position as you're in now. The only person that controls your fate is YOU. That is the type of friend I would recommend it to. The person who needs some sort of realization that success only comes to those who want it as badly as they want to breathe.

Alchemy

Its tough in a world where you wanna be
everything but the skies aren't always blue
but how can you be what you wanna be
if the only person pushing you is you
its time to realize that I equals me
I'm the only one that can push me through
nobody gives a damn about my pleas
successful and happy only are few
only I can raise me to a high degree
to my dreams and success I must stay true
only through success will I be pleased
its what I need to spread my views
who can see you if your the size of a flee
you'll need to realize that its up to you
happiness will never come for free
its all about doing what you do
happiness comes from within you see
so go out and be better, outdo
know that results reside in alchemy
and your dreams are something you will accrue