Listen to Your Heart
“…Everyone will search for his treasure, find it, and then want to be better than he was in his former life…”(Coelho 143). In Paulo Coelho’s ‘The Alchemist’, Santiago is a young shepherd boy who travels around Andalusia, Spain until he dreams his destiny and departs to search for it in the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Santiago meets many nobles teaching him about destiny and how it affects life. Beyond all expectations, Santiago fulfills his destiny by staying determined, portraying loyalty and always maintaining a mature attitude.
During the journey, Santiago is able to achieve his destiny because he stays determined at all times. During the trip in the caravan, Santiago learns to concentrate only in the present from the camel driver. In order to get to Egypt from Tangier, Santiago joins a caravan which was heading for Al Faiyum. Soon, Santiago gets friendly with a camel driver who travels alongside with him. One night, while Santiago has a little conversation with the camel driver, the man explains not to give interest neither to the past nor the future, but always focus in the present. He also clarifies that concentrating in the present can lead a man to a happy life because life will be a party, a grand festival since life is in the present moment. After the caravan arrives at the oasis in Al Faiyum, Santiago meets Fatima and falls in love with her at first sight. Soon, he proposes to her “…I came here to tell you just one thing…..I want you to be my wife. I love you.” Through this proposal, Santiago reassures his love for Fatima, recognizes himself as a determined boy who is direct and always on topic. Further during Santiago’s journey, he meets a strange horseman, after he has a discussion with the tribal chieftains about the omens he has seen through the flight of two hawks. When the horseman threatens Santiago about the omens on the flight of the two hawks, Santiago confirms that he only saw an army and that he was following his destiny. The determination Santiago demonstrates during his journey reassures him of his decisions. However, he also demonstrates loyalty to the people he meets along the way.
First, Santiago tries his best and always works for the better profit of the crystal shop that he works in, at Tangier. From the day Santiago begins to look after the merchant’s shop, its business is better than ever. Later, when Santiago digs out his treasure, he doesn’t forget to pay the gypsy woman 1/10 of his treasure as promised. Back in the beginning, when Santiago first dreams his destiny, he goes to a gypsy woman for a dream interpretation. However, back then, Santiago did not have much money so they make a deal that Santiago will pay the gypsy woman 1/10 of his treasure. Finally in the end, Santiago knows he must return to Fatima. He reminds himself “…I’m coming Fatima…” When Santiago had finds his treasure and reminds himself to pay the gypsy woman, the levanter, the wind coming from Africa begins to blow and it carries a scent of a perfume, the touch of Fatima’s kiss. The loyalty Santiago shows in his journey is also evidence of his maturity.
During Santiago’s journey, he portrays a mature behavior. First, he is observant, because he takes more time observing nature than other boys at his age. When Santiago stays at Al Faiyum, the oasis is in battle against the nomadic Arabs of the desert, who are often called ‘Bedouins’. Meanwhile, while he is resting, he encounters a vision of an army with ready swords, riding into the oasis. Soon, Santiago realizes that it is an omen and he decides to disclose the images he had seen to the tribal chieftains. As Santiago moves with his journey, he realizes that love is a possibility in any circumstances. “…when you are loved, you can do anything in creation. When you are loved, there’s no need at all to understand what is happening, because everything happens within you….” In this way, Santiago believes that when there is love in life, anything is attainable. Moreover, love is so powerful, that it makes anyone able to achieve the inconceivable. At the very end of Santiago’s journey he is satisfied with his accomplishments along the way, and is convinced that he has learned all he needs to know, and experienced everything he might have dreamed of. The maturity Santiago demonstrates throughout his journey helps him understand omens and the messages of earth.
Ultimately, Santiago finds his treasure under the sycamore tree, the place where he began his journey. After achieving his destiny, Santiago looks forward to live a happy life. It is possible for Santiago to fulfill his destiny because he has confidence with his decisions, is always loyal to people and also shows mature behavior. In the end, Santiago changes to be a more direct, dedicated and responsible boy. Everyone can fulfill their dreams as long as they listen to their heart.
Organization- My JourneyNorman Engel - Modern Geometry Painting
Destiny means “your mission on earth” and everyone has their own mission to accomplish. Unfortunately many people do not realize their destiny and I am among these people. Nevertheless destiny can be evoked by having positive traits. In my case, I acknowledge that I am a properly organized individual. Therefore, even though I do not know my destiny, I am certain that keeping everything organized will propel me towards it. Like Santiago, by keeping track of my work and belongings, I can achieve success in my academic career. By being successful in my education, this will help me distinguish a clearer vision to what I have to achieve in my life. Organization keeps me in track of information, and helps me reflect and recognize what went well, what went out of control and what needs to be improved. Being organized allows me to edit and revise a document, stay engaged with class discussions and record neat, correct and precise notes for presentations. Even though I do not have a clue on what my destiny will be, I am certain that having everything organized will help me achieve my mission assigned on earth.
