The Alchemist

[Lady of Longbourn]

I didn't actually mean boring or money. I meant physical tiring. I was thinking of all the walking and how hard it would be to track down a sheep in such a endless open land. It was his life though and yes he enjoyed it.

 

[kimba]

Think of all the exercise he must have gotten and what great shape he was probably in;). I almost wish all I had to do was track down a missing sheep!

 

[KP the nut]

I almost wish all I had to do was track down a missing sheep!

Which almost takes us back to my earlier comment in the we get caught up in our lives, in the modern rat race.

I've often watched programmes about remote peoples and thought it was a better life. Better, not easy. They still have to do what is needed daily to survive but live off the land. They have pressures but not the 'rat race' pressures. But in general they are more in touch with what is happening immediately around them.

Hope that makes sense.

 

[Loloma]

KP, the grass is not always greener, believe me there is no utopia. As you say the daily life stays the same. Happiness can only be found within, location is irrelevant.

Santiago never gave up hope although he spent the night in despair overnight in the market place. When the sun rose, his survival mode kicked in and by helping the crystal merchant he was given food in return. At the end of this period, he had learnt a new trade, and given the crystal merchant a new lease on life.

Although he had first decided to return to being a Shepard as a safe option, he remembered the kings words to follow his dreams. He had gained wisdom applied the omens to his advantage going with the caravan on the journey through the desert. It takes courage to leave what you know and choose another road. Many of us stay where we are because of our fear of the unknown, even though we are not happy with our situation. We stay stuck in the past and the present, paralysed and afraid to move forward into the future.

The alchemist was the same, he was so busy buried is his books that weighed him down and stopped him opened his eyes to find different alternatives. He was also stuck, his tunnel vision and his own intellectuality, stopped him seeing what was in front of him.

 

[KP the nut]

I finished it today and I loved it. It will be one I read again.

 

[anthony]

Yer, also finished it yesterday and started on another.

I found the moral to be this (which I could be way off):

The world is a vast and mysterious place. Its sheer expanse contains many cultures, philosophies, religions, languages and styles of life. You can track half way across the globe in order to believe there is something better out there for you, you can learn a lot about life on your journey. If you look inwards though you can find most answers already. Courage alone to face your fears and the ability to actually listen to yourself foremost, to trust in yourself. Whilst you may have to travel the globe to find this out, more often than not, your actual real wealth and happiness lay where your home is. If you embrace the unknown, it really can be life changing for a person.

That is my take on the overall moral... there is probably more! :coffee:

 

[Loloma]

Totally agree Anthony. I am on that journey now, and realise as you say that, my actual real wealth and happiness lay where my home and family is.

However I do not regret the journey and have learnt a lot along the way. I found the book very inspirational and uplifting. It has helps put things in perspective. Dwelling on negativity is crippling and you can't see the good things in front of you.

 

[anthony]

Dwelling on negativity is crippling and you can't see the good things in front of you.

That was another very valid point raised in the book... about the past, present and future. You can dwell on the past, you can attempt to seek the future, but all you do is disrupt the present, being the only moment you are within and have any control over within yourself.

 

[anthony]

Oh... those participating within this book, could you please list in here your recommendation for what book you want added to the reading list. As stated elsewhere, this is a current offer whilst this book is on, and only for those who are participating within this discussion having read the book.

You can choose your favourite from the book list already established, or recommend a new one.

If you have not participated within this discussion by showing clear knowledge of having read the book, your book choice will not be added.

I know a couple put theirs in another thread where this was discussed... I think the book club chit chat thread, but if you could put them in here for me and I will add them based on the above.

This gives active book club participants a chance to have their desired book on the reading list. Preferably, one you have not read obviously, but want to read it.

 

[Loloma]

I would recommend "Running with Scissors" by Augsten Burroughs.

 

[anthony]

Added.

 

[KP the nut]

War Horse for me please.