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The Alchemist
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Nathaniel
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May 03, 2013 08:04AM
I thought this book was very philosophical. It is interesting how Santiago strives for something more then what is given to him. He was not content in becoming what his father wanted him to be. He wanted to pursue his own Personal Legend. He does this by seeking the help of a gypsy, a king, an Englishman, and the Alchemist. With these individuals help, he is able in the end to find his personal legend. I thought the tale was both mystical and charming. I was confused though for the last 1/2 of the book with all the philosophical teaching he was instructed(particularly by the Alchemist). It seemed to me like the author was trying to bring about a new way to view life, but I missed the value of his philosophy. Nevertheless the book was interesting. Worth another read for further understanding. Three out of Five Stars.
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It was gloriously short and simplistic. Rightfully so, any longer and the book would have lost all meaning. I got a little bit put off by all the "omens", superstitions aren't really my thing. So I changed my perspective, the king was telling Santiago to be observant and pay to attention to his surroundings. He wasn't preaching superstition.Maybe he was, it's all a matter of perspective, everybody perceives the book in a different light.
Rafael, I understand what you mean about being put off by "omens", but I think it's because we have given the word a negative connotation. In this book, it was used in a more neutral sense, and it took me a while to get used to that. However, in a sense, he was still preaching a form of superstition, the world was telling Santiago what to do next, rather than Santiago deciding for himself.The ending of this book is what bothered me the most. Santiago was enjoying a happy life, even the reoccurring dreams of treasure didn't really change that, until the old king came along and told him he wasn't happy, and to follow the dream... just to end up where it all started. I don't know if all the hardship he faced along the way was truly worth the few moments of happiness he had, and it certainly wasn't worth the treasure. I guess I also missed the philosophy in this book.
I think part of the point was that he wouldn't have learned or experienced what he did. His journey helped him find and develop talents that he might have never known he had. He also wouldn't have met the girl in the desert ( I can't remember her name). I have to say that if it had been me, I probably would have been a little bit frustrated.
