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?"
Virginia Hoyt Dear Yolanda,
Long ago I learned this paragraph as from Goethe; however, when I checked online just now, I learned these lines are misattributed to Goe…more
Dear Yolanda,
Long ago I learned this paragraph as from Goethe; however, when I checked online just now, I learned these lines are misattributed to Goethe, instead from a mountaineering book by William Hutchininson Murray (1913-1996).
Here's the quote, with a link to my source:

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

https://www.thoughtco.com/goethe-quot...(less)
Image for The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho (Goodreads Author)
Rate this book
Clear rating

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