In the history of science, alchemy (from the Arabic الكيمياء al-kīmiyā’) refers to both an early form of the investigation of nature and an early philosophical and spiritual discipline, both combining elements of chemistry, metallurgy, physics, medicine, astrology, semiotics, mysticism, spiritualism, and art all as parts of one greater force. Alchemy has been practiced in Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Persia, India, Japan, Korea and China, in ClassicalGreece and Rome, in the Muslim civilization, and then in Europe up to the 19th century—in a complex network of schools and philosophical systems spanning at least 2500 years. (Wikipedia)
“The Alchemist” is a book that everyone should read. It may or may not introduce you to earth-shattering ideas about man and his individual purpose in the grand scheme of things, but the chance is worth the read.To some people the message is obvious, but to the few to whom it is not, it should be heard.
A young Spanish shepherd meets a man who challenges him to fulfill his destiny. Presumably, they both instinctively know what this is. The young man has dreamed of finding treasure at the Pyramids in Egypt.
This is simple enough, but he will have to sacrifice everything to achieve this dream.
He will sell his sheep, give up the potential for love, and the safety of a known existence.
He will face numerous obstacles and overcome them with various degrees of immediacy and success.
Of course, each hurdle provides self-knowledge and a proliferation of awareness. The shepherd we meet blossoms as the book develops. We meet characters who do not follow their dreams and, by comparison, we see how reticence leads to stagnation. You must accept loss as a instrument toward success and, for many, the risk is too great.
It is a quick read and I found it rather simple, but there is no denying the gravity of the message – that you must always do what you know in your heart is right both for yourself and others.