The views expressed are solely my own and do not represent the official position of YEI, a nonpartisan think tank that provides a platform for its researchers to share independent perspectives.

Paulo Coelho’s ‘The Alchemist’ is a piece of literature that sparks faith within its readers, (McCaffery, 2023) inciting introspection and realisation of their own dreams. The profound concept of ‘Intuition [as] a sudden immersion of the soul into the universal current of life’ (Coelho, 1993) draws from compelling philosophical ideas such as Taoism.  (Nguyen, 2009) Taoism focuses on this idea of harmonic order within both nature and society which can be seen in the unification of social concepts and human emotions such as love, with nature (the falcon, man and the dessert) (Coelho, 1993). This article will unravel Taoist harmonious alignment with the ‘current of life’ which includes both intuition and the Islamic Maktub concept of written fate. It will further investigate why the universe often appears to conspire towards certain things, as well as if we as humans play a role in carving out our own destinies.

The catalyst of the boy’s journey to seek treasure begins with a myth, a dream, words from a King. This emulates Taoist thought in which myths are considered a higher language (Guide, 2007) rich in suggestion, interpretations and alternative meanings. This philosophy is then supplicated and reinforced by Islamic concept of Maktub– the invisible string of destinyweaving beneath all of life. (Campbell, n.d.). Coelho implies through his book that to follow one’s ‘personal myth’ (which can be interpreted through dreams, thoughts and encounters) is what causes contentment and bliss in one’s life (Mambrol, 2022). Through the conversation between the Englishman, who aspires to meet the alchemist and Santiago, (which is essentially the exchange of personal myths)- Santiago comes to learn of the Soul of the World and Language of the Heart – which are scopes for personal development within his journey. This demonstrates how through the understanding of the higher language of myths in combination with the sequence of events unfolded by Maktub (such as Santiago joining the caravan) advances in personal development and self-harmony can be acquired. The eloquently put metaphor constructed by Nasrullah Mambrol ‘omens, signs, dreams and visions pervade the narrative and act like refrains in this song of the desert’ (Mambrol, 2022) captures the mediation between Taoist superstitions such as auspicious and recurring omens (Benn, 2002) and Islamic ideas of pre-determined destiny. 

Moreover, this idea of Personal Legends (another mythical component of ‘The Alchemist’) which is a personal, overall purpose appears to have similarities with Hindu ideas of Dharma (Asma, 2023). Coelho claims that symbols along the journey are simply intended for the ultimate realisation of one’s Personal Legend – the reason you were put on this earth, and it is the Universe that conspires towards this. (Downes, 2022). In Hindu philosophy, Dharma is the concept that an individual has moral responsibilities or duties, which is dynamic and often differs between people. For example, the dharma of a teacher may differ from the dharma of a soldier. This dharma must be in accord with ‘Rta’ (the cosmic order of the universe). Both concepts of Coelho’s Personal Legends and Hindu Dharma are extremely similar, as both require a sense of conviction. Although the universe may guide and shape the journey, it is the person who must actively pursue their dream and be aware of their desires and goals. Coelho affirms this in ‘The Alchemist’ stating that ‘At a certain point of our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s the world’s greatest lie.’ (Coelho, 1993). 

To build on this, Coelho’s novel could also be read through an existential lens. There is a tension between secular existentialist thought founded by Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) and teleological views of existence that resonates within ‘The Alchemist’ (Raina, 2017). Existentialism suggests that we as people define ourselves through our actions, rather than relying on pre-determined events. Santiago does not simply sit with his dream – he seeks to interpret it, understand more, engage in discussion, take risks and embark on a challenge and find purpose, acting as a foil for the Crystal Merchant who chooses not to follow his larger aspirations. This suggests a sense of existentialist action required to follow one’s Personal Legend. However, alternate, metaphysical dimensions such as ideas of the Divine, Maktub, destiny and oneness with nature suggests that although there is an emphasis on free will and active choice within The Alchemist, according to Coelho it must operate under a spiritual light.