Big Books of 2026
Yolanda asked this question about The Alchemist:
Where did the saying come from: "When you want something the whole universe will conspire together to help you get it?"
Dawnstream It's a very old and common idea. You may have heard "Ask and ye shall receive" or my favorite "If you build it, they will come." I think Ralph Waldo E…moreIt's a very old and common idea. You may have heard "Ask and ye shall receive" or my favorite "If you build it, they will come." I think Ralph Waldo Emerson came up with that particular phrasing of the idea, but I'm probably wrong.(less)
flag
More questions about The Alchemist…
Image for The Alchemist
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho (Goodreads Author)
Rate this book
Clear rating
1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more