Stay Persistent

Live With No Regrets

“I had a dream, and I met with a king. I sold crystals and crossed the dessert. And, because the tribes declared war, I went to the well, seeking the alchemist. So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.” (Coelho, pg 117.) This quote, from “The Alchemist” shows the important character traits, which aided Santiago on his journey. The shepherd boy from Andalusia travels to Egypt searching for his destiny. On his journey he meets people, learns about the world and finds love. He then achieves his destiny by realizing his treasure was back in Spain where he had started. Santiago returns a new person having learnt and done more than anyone else has. Santiago was knowledgeable, resilient and had courage. Combining these character traits, Santiago was able to achieve his destiny.
During his travels, Santiago gains knowledge from the people he meets. Before his journey begins, Santiago learns about destiny as well as omens and how to read them from King Melchizedek. He learns that destiny is what you have always wanted to accomplish and everybody has a destiny, however not everyone has the qualities and courage to fulfill their destinies. He is also given Urim and Thummin and was taught how to use them to read omens by King Melchizedek. This was one of the many things he had learnt on his journeys. On his way to the pyramids, Santiago meets the English man and learns about the Soul Of The World from him. He learn that the soul of the world is the universal language and it is a positive force in which all is part of. Another piece of evidence, which proves the knowledge of Santiago, is this conversation between Santiago and the Alchemist. “Thank you, said the boy.” “You taught me the language of the world.” “I only invoked what you already knew.” (Coelho Pg 146). This quote shows that Santiago was knowledgeable all along and that the alchemist only deepened his understanding. However, Santiago would not be this knowledgeable if he had not gone in search of his destiny. The knowledge he gains is what keeps him looking for his treasure. Santiago gains wisdom and knowledge on his journey, but to achieve his destiny, he will have to be persistent and resilient.
On his way to achieving his destiny, Santiago learns he has to be resilient. Santiago works hard for the money and now reflects on it. “It was a bundle of money. Enough to buy himself a hundred and twenty sheep, a return ticket, and a license to import products from Africa into his own country.” (Coelho pg 58) Santiago shows resilience here by bouncing back after being robbed. Most people would be sulking and giving up, Santiago, on the other hand found a job and has enough money now to either go back and buy a flock, or continue on his journey to his destiny. When Santiago was robbed by a boy, he had to choose whether to find a way to get more money or give up and try to go back home. His resilience is clearly shown when he thinks to himself, “he had to choose between thinking of himself as a poor victim of a thief and as an adventurer in quest of his treasure. “I’m an adventurer looking for treasure.”(Coelho pg 40) Santiago’s resilience and determination here keeps him focused and sure about what he wants. He wants to fulfill his destiny by finding love and the treasure. Another time, which Santiago shows resilience and determination is when, he was captured and to save himself he had to turn into the wind. Santiago had no clue, how to do this but, by combining his knowledge as well as resilience, he is able to find his way out of trouble. If Santiago was not determined or resilient, he would have died without achieving his destiny. But, because he did not give up, and used his knowledge, he was able to find his way out of it. Resilience and knowledge is vital for Santiago to achieve his destiny but, he also needs to be brave if he wants to go all the way to the end.
Santiago is able to achieve his destiny, using his courage to overcome the obstacles that awaited him. After meeting with the gypsy and King Melchizedek, Santiago found the courage within him to make the decision of going in search for his destiny. After learning about destiny and seeing how the baker turned out, not achieving his destiny, Santiago is able to make the decision of trying to achieve his destiny. Santiago’s courage is what began his journey and would also help him along the way to his destiny. After working with the crystal merchant for months, Santiago makes the decision of continuing to try to achieve his destiny. Santiago had the choice of going back to Andalusia and buying a flock of 120 sheep and living happily, however, he makes the decision of going on with looking for his treasure because of the courage within him. “It is I who dared to do so,” he repeated, and he lowered his head to receive a blow from the sword.” Many lives will be saved, because I was able to see through to the soul of the world.” The sword didn’t fall.” (Coelho pg 105). Santiago’s courage was able to pull him through this obstacle even though the alchemist was only testing him. Santiago passed the test because of his bravery and is now one step closer to achieving his destiny. His courage clearly helped him on his journey because without it he would not have gone in search of his destiny. Santiago not only has courage but, also is a risk taker.
Throughout his journey, Santiago was able to use all his traits together, in order to achieve his destiny. His knowledge, resilience and courage aided him in overcoming the many obstacles that had awaited him. He finds himself back in Andalusia where he finds his treasure. Santiago’s knowledge allowed him to understand the soul of the world. His resilience is what got him to Fatima as well as his treasure, and because of his courage, he has been able to overcome all the obstacles that would have stopped anyone less brave than himself. Santiago ended up achieving his destiny but, if he had not, he would live his life like the baker. This means that if you do not end up achieving your destiny, you may still live without feeling like a failure. However, if you do, you will know that you have done what you have always wanted, and will live and die without regretting anything. Santiago was able to achieve his destiny by combining knowledge, resilience and courage. In the end, Santiago is able to achieve his destiny but, only because of his three main qualities which had brought him all the way through.



Perseverance is the main trait that i have gained over the last few years at school. Perseverance enables me to participate in my destiny. For me, the only way to success is to persevere. I use perseverance everyday both in school and football. My two main passions are to do well in school and in football. The only way to be successful in football is to persevere. If i do not make the starting team, I will work harder the next training session to prove myself. The same thing happens in school. If i do not have a good grade or do badly on a quiz, i will study harder and hopefully get a better grade the next time. If i am am allowed to, i will retake the test or quiz. In "The alchemist" Santiago also perseveres in order to achieve his destiny. Perseverance is not only used for football or school, I believe that in order to be successful in anything at all you need to persevere.

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