The Alchemist Presented by Group 1
Abhay Chandran PGP38002 | Akash Tyagi PGP38057 | Amrutha Palli
PGP38173 | Bhise Suvidh Deepak PGP38228 | Amogh Sahastrabudhe
PGP38278 | Pratiush Singh PGP38355 | Pragya PGP38416 | Heli Bamania
PGP38502 |
Paul Cuminet IEP23006
Narrative
Prologue:
Narcissus myth announcing the magic of the novel
Part one:
• Santiago, the Andalusian shepherd, meets the merchant’s daughter.
• He decides to meet the gypsy woman in Tarifa, trying to understand his
confusing dream.
• Melchizedek teaches him about the Personal Legend he has to follow.
Narrative
• Santiago decides to go to Tangier but starts his journey with troubles.
• He met the crystal merchant with who he earns a lot of money.
Part two:
• “Maktub”: it is written. The boy continues his Personal Legend and refuses to go
back to Andalusia as a shepherd.
• Santiago starts his journey in the Sahara desert, acompagnied by the Englishman.
• The young boy falls in love with Fatima who suggests him to pursue his Personal
Legend.
Narrative
• Santiago meets the Alchemist. He achieves to convince the young boy to
go and find his treasure.
• Santiago tries to blow the wind and he eventually understands the Soul of
the World.
Epilogue:
• Santiago finds his treasure back in Andalusia.
Life of Paulo Coelho and context of The
Alchemist
• Dreams of being a writer but he strayed from it.
• His trip to Spain confirmed his will to become a writer.
• He wrote his second novel The Pilgrimage (1987), with a little impact, and
then The Alchemist (1988).
• It achieved commercial success: many awards, translated in 67 languages,
sold over 65 million copies.
Themes discussed in The Alchemist
01. 02.
Vision Action
“The act or power of imagination” “To do something”
Throughout the book, the boy’s vision changes:
We can interpret action as a means to achieve one’s vision
First, he wishes to travel to the town to meet the girl he met a year ago
The boy had multiple visions of different goals but each time he
After meeting the King of Salem, he wants to search for his treasure
wavered, he set his heart to achieve what he wanted to do from the
In the desert, he wishes to marry Fatima and stay there
beginning.
And finally, he wishes to pursue his vision of finding the treasure
At times, even though fear held him back, he still achieved through
actions
Themes discussed in The Alchemist
03. 04.
Fear Love
“To be afraid or worried” “A strong feeling of affection ”
The boy’s heart senses a fear of dread while passing through Our lives are incomplete without love. Throughout the book,
the desert and encountering the tribal chiefs, this feeling is the boy discovers love for several things, from the desert and
fear. The alchemist tells the boy that his heart will always the wind to a woman Fatima whom he met at the Oasis. The
help him achieve his destiny by warning him but not holding book talks about how love does not hold a person back from
him back of his fear their destiny but rather helps them achieve it
Vision
The boy had two visions that enfold throughout the story
Literal Vision Figurative Vision
The boy has recurring dreams about a hidden treasure in As the journey progresses, the boy works to fulfill his
the pyramids of Egpyt. Personal Legend: his true destiny
This dream acted as a catalyst that took the boy on his
Gains wisdom, self-discovery and spiritual fulfillment
journey from Andalusia to the pyramids of Egypt
along the way
He becomes the best version of himself and realizes his
It also acted as a set goal that may seem distant and
full potential
unattainable but has the power to drive someone to
action.
It's the possibility of having a dream come true that
makes life interesting.
People learn, early in their lives, what is their reason for being," said
the old man, with a certain bitterness. "Maybe that's why they give
up on it so early, too. But that's the way it is.
Why did the boy never give up?
A few qualities that helped the boy in his journey
Vision Guidance from the Old Man and the
Achemist
Faith and Trust Passion
Resilience Curiosity
Five Traits of a Leader
Vitality and Endurance Decision Making
Persuasiveness Responsible
Intellectual Ability
Action
Actions the boy took throughout the book to realise his destiny
Sold his flock of sheep to travel to Africa: Leaves his comfortable
life behind to pursue the unknown
Overcomes fear and obstacles: The boy always took action to
overcome fear and obstacles
Maktub, which is Arabic for “it is written”: Emphasizes the
importance of action but also the importance of destiny. The idea
od festiny and action are intertwined.
Inspiring Others: Along the way, he inspires people such as the
Englishman and the crystal merchant
"There is only one way to learn," the alchemist
answered. "It's through action. Everything you need to
know you have learned through your journey."
"And, when you want something, all the universe
conspires in helping you to achieve it."
Fear
The theme of fear is probably one of the most relatable themes in the book
for us
Fear of the unknown: The boy travels to an unknown location
without any knowledge of the unknown.
Fear of failure: There are times when the boy wants to give up but
he powered through by keeping faith in the omens
Fear of regret: The alchemist convinces the boy to follow his
dream by giving him a glimpse of what his feelings would be if he
abandoned his dream for staying back with Fatima
"The fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.
And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search
of its dream."
"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the
suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes
in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a
second's encounter with God and with eternity."
Lov
e
Self-Love Love for others
He understands himself and his desires better through the Fatima’s love serves as a reminder to him that people can have
journey different destinies and shouldn't be held back by love
His pursuit of his personal legend is an expression of self
love His love and care for the crystal merchant makes him realise he
wants to pursue his dreams more than ever
Love acted as a motivator
"Love never keeps a man from pursuing his destiny."
"When we love, we always strive to become better than we are.
When we strive to become better than we are, everything
around us becomes better too."
Relating the themes of the alchemist to real
world companies
Companies whose visions were deemed impossible to achieve but were yet successful
Relating the themes of the alchemist to real
world companies
Vision: to make life multi-planetary by establishing a self-sustaining city on
Mars
The first privately funded, liquid-fueled rocket (Falcon 1) to reach orbit (28
September 2008) The first privately funded company to successfully launch
(by Falcon 9), orbit and recover a spacecraft (Dragon) (9 December 2010)
Relating the themes of the alchemist to real
world companies
Vision: Belong anywhere
Met with skepticism due to safety and other issues
Today, the company has over 4 million listings in 220 countries and is valued
at more than $100 billion
Relating the themes of the alchemist to real
world companies
Vision: Better food for more people
Met with skepticism due to the Indian food industry and travel logistics
With over 1.4 million listed restaurants, 12,000 restaurant partners, and
285,000 delivery partners with a presence in over 1,000 cities, Zomato's story
is unlike any. On July 23, 2021, Zomato got listed at a valuation of over $13.3
billion
Comparision: Santiago and Sidhartha Gautama
“When you want something, all the universe conspires “It is better to conquer yourself than to win a
in helping you to achieve it.” thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It
cannot be taken from you.”
Background and Early Life
Santiago Siddhartha Gautama
Santiago is a shepherd, content with a simple and Siddhartha Gautama, was born in Lumbini, now in present-day
modest life in Andalusia, Spain Nepal, around 563 BCE.
He herds sheep across the hills, living in harmony Born into the royal family of the Shakya clan, raised in the lap
with nature and his flock. of luxury and opulence within the walls of the palace.
“Personal Traits of the Protagonist”
Santiago Siddhartha Gautama
• Dreamer • Inquisitive
• Persistent • Empathetic
• Adaptable • Determined
• Learner • Resilient
• Courageous • Open-minded
“The Catalyst for their Journeys”
Santiago Siddhartha Gautama
Recurring Dream: Santiago's journey begins with a The Four Sights: Siddhartha ventured outside his palace
recurring dream of a treasure near the pyramids. and encountered:
1. An old man (aging)
2. A sick person (illness)
Gypsy Woman: Santiago visits a gypsy fortune-teller to 3. A dead body (death)
interpret his dream. She tells him to follow the dream 4. An ascetic (renunciation)
The Old King: Melchizedek reinforces the importance of
These sights ignited his desire to find a way to overcome
pursuing one's Personal Legend. His words inspire
suffering, leading him to renounce his royal life.
Santiago to take action and embark on his quest.
The Nature of the Journey
Santiago Siddhartha Gautama
Nature:Journey Across Lands
Nature: Journey of Renunciation
Guidance: Omens & Influencial figures like the Old
Guidance: Meditation & Enlightenment
King, the Englishman, the Alchemist etc..
“Influential Mentors and Guidance”
Santiago Siddhartha Gautama
The Old King: Emphasized pursuing the Personal Legend and Ascetics and Teachers: Siddhartha initially sought
listening to one's heart, guiding Santiago early in his journey. guidance from renowned ascetics and teachers to
understand the path to enlightenment.
The Englishman: Introduced Santiago to alchemy and the
quest for spiritual knowledge, igniting curiosity about the Meditation and Self-Realization: Ultimately, his true
secrets of the universe. guidance came from within during deep meditation under
the Bodhi tree, leading to self-realization and
The Alchemist: Imparted invaluable knowledge about enlightenment.
interconnectedness and self-discovery, guiding Santiago to find
his inner treasure.
Realizations
Santiago Siddhartha Gautama
Personal Legend Embrace: Santiago was able to learn to
Four Notable Truths: Siddhartha's teachings focus on the
embrace his Personal Legend and to follow his dreams
Four Noble Truths—suffering, its origin, its end, and its
with the same kind of determination and faith that he had
path.
always had.
Interconnectedness: It dawned on him that everything in
Eightfold Path: He promoted right knowledge, intention,
the cosmos is connected to one another, and that each
speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and
individual's deeds are threads in the larger fabric of
concentration.
existence.
Legacy: Buddhism was founded on Buddha's teachings
Self Discovery: The path that Santiago took led him to
of compassion, meditation, and detachment from
self-discovery, which included coming to terms with his
material things.
potential and the riches that he already possessed.
Neo from “The Matrix”
Similarities Differences
• Quest for Truth: The desire to • Setting: Magical realism vs
understand a deeper truth. dystopic future setting
• Chosen Ones: Santiago is • Nature of the journey:
destined to discover the treasure Personal journey vs mission to
whereas Neo is “The One” save humanity
saviour • Changing the system vs
• Sacrifices: Both sacrifices their understanding the Soul of the
comfort and normal life universe.
• Self-Discovery: Both discovers • Elements of spirituality in
their purpose in life through the Santiago’s journey is not
journey observed in Neo’s journey
Pi Patel from “Life of Pi”
Similarities Differences
Motivation: Pi's journey starts with the goal
Spiritual Quest: Both, Pi Patel and Santiago
of surviving a shipwreck, while Santiago's
seek spiritual understanding of life,
is inspired by a dream he keeps having
religion, destiny, and purpose.
about a treasure.
Journey Nature: Pi survives great physical
Transformation and Growth: Both
trials like being left on a lifeboat with wild
characters develop, explore, and change
creatures, but Santiago's path is
along their experiences
philosophical and spiritual, led by intuition
and omens.
Challenging Journey: Both faces different
challenges during their journey
Philosophies: Pi explores survival, storytelling, faith, and multi-religion.
However, Santiago's story examines fate, heartfelt expression, connection,
and Personal Legend.
John Snow from “Game Of Thrones”
Similarities Differences
Challenges:
Quest for Identity: Both characters seek their Jon Snow: External conflicts such as wars, political
identities and fates. Santiago seeks his "Personal intrigue, and survival whereas
Legend," while Jon seeks his position in the world Santiago: Internal and spiritual challenges,
Moral Integrity: Both Santiago and Jon Snow understanding omens and the world around him.
have a strong moral compass, frequently choosing
to do what they believe is right. Sacrifices & Responsibilities:
Guided by Dreams: Santiago's journey is inspired • Santiago: His sacrifices are personal, like selling
by a recurring dream about a youngster telling him his sheep and leaving his kingdom to pursue his
to collect treasure at the Egyptian pyramids. In the dream.
books, Jon sees visions and follows prophesies. • Jon Snow: Jon's sacrifices are on a grander scale,
from his personal desires and safety to, at times,
his life. His responsibilities include the safety of
the realms of men against threats like the White
Walkers.
Comparing Santiago and Schultz:
Journeys and Leadership
Background & Origin
Santiago Schultz
Santiago is a fictional character from Howard Schultz is a real-life
a shepherd family in Spain. He starts entrepreneur and business leader who
his journey with humble beginnings as grew up in a working-class family in
a shepherd, seeking his Personal Brooklyn, New York. He started his
Legend. career in sales and marketing before
becoming involved with Starbucks.
Visions and Ambitions
Santiago Schultz
Personal and spiritual Vision for a global
vision; seeking the brand; emphasis on
"personal legend." community and culture.
Nature of Journeys
Santiago Schultz
A spiritual and A journey primarily
philosophical quest. within the corporate
world.
Personal Growth
Santiago Schultz
Learning the Personal growth through
interconnectedness of leadership and resilience.
life.
Risk-Taking
Santiago Schultz
Courage to step into the Calculated business risks
unknown. for Starbucks'
transformation.
Perseverence
Santiago Schultz
Schultz demonstrated
Santiago displays perseverance
perseverance by facing challenges
throughout his journey,
and setbacks in the early days of
overcoming obstacles and
Starbucks, such as financial
setbacks in his quest to find his
struggles and resistance to the
Personal Legend.
coffeehouse concept.
Listening to Intuition
Santiago Schultz
While grounded in data and
Santiago often relies on his
market research, Howard Schultz
intuition and dreams to guide him
also trusted his intuition in
in making decisions and choosing
making important business
his path
decisions.
Connection to Values
Santiago Schultz
Commitment to
Belief in the power of
community, social
dreams and
responsibility, and ethical
determination.
practices.
Outcomes
Santiago Schultz
Personal enlightenment Starbucks' global success
and understanding of and impact on coffee
life's mysteries. culture.
Leadership Lessons
Santiago Schultz
Visionary leadership,
Pursuit of personal
calculated risk-taking,
legends and
and values-driven
determination.
leadership.
Santiago and Schultz, despite their different journeys,
provide profound insights into personal growth,
visionary leadership, and the pursuit of dreams.
Their experiences remind us that each journey is unique and that
the pursuit of one's dreams can lead to remarkable outcomes.
Relevance of Themes from
"The Alchemist" by Paulo
Coelho in Modern Times
As we navigate through the complexities of modern life, the timeless wisdom of
"The Alchemist" continues to resonate. Let's explore some of its key themes and
their relevance today.
Personal Legend and Purpose
Following Dreams Creating our own path Aligning Mind, Body and
soul
Just like Santiago, we are encouraged to We are reminded to listen to our hearts and By connecting with our inner selves, we can
pursue our passions and fulfill our destinies, forge our own paths, instead of conforming to discover our true purpose and find fulfillment
no matter the obstacles we may encounter societal expectations. in all areas of our lives.
Dreams and Aspirations
Pursuing Passions Overcoming Embracing
Limiting Beliefs Imagination
Embracing our dreams By challenging self-doubt Cultivating a mindset of
allows us to live with and fear, we can unlock infinite possibilities opens
purpose and find immense our true potential and doors to creative thinking
joy and fulfillment in our achieve greatness in our and innovative solutions.
endeavors. chosen paths.
Fear and Overcoming Obstacles
Confronting Fear
"The Alchemist" teaches us that fear is an
Adapting to Change 2 illusion that can hinder our growth. By
acknowledging and facing our fears, we can
transcend them and reach new heights.
Just like the characters in the book,
we must embrace change, as it
presents opportunities for growth 3 Perseverance and Resilience
and transformation.
In the face of challenges, it is important to
stay resilient and keep moving forward,
trusting that the journey will lead us to our
desired destination.
The Journey as a Learning Experience
Exploration and Knowledge and Self-Reflection and
Discovery Growth Awareness
Whether it's traveling to new Through encountering diverse Taking time for introspection
places or embarking on inner perspectives and acquiring allows us to gain clarity, align
quests, every experience has wisdom, we expand our our actions with our values,
valuable lessons and understanding of the world and foster personal evolution.
transformative potential. and evolve as individuals.
Spirituality and Mindfulness
Inner Connection Purposeful Living
By nurturing our spiritual side
Awareness of the present
and practicing mindfulness,
moment enables us to make
we cultivate a deeper
choices aligned with our inner
connection with ourselves,
truths and live with intention.
others, and the universe.
Finding Balance
Seeking harmony between mind, body, and soul helps us lead balanced
lives and navigate the complexities of modern existence.
Cultural Exchange and Diversity
Mutual Interconnectedness Collaborative
Understanding Growth
Recognizing our shared
Through embracing humanity and celebrating By learning from one
diversity, we broaden our cultural differences allows another's perspectives, we
perspectives and foster us to form meaningful can co-create innovative
empathy, leading to a connections across solutions to global
more harmonious and borders. challenges.
inclusive society.
Nature and Connection with the
Environment
Appreciating Natural Connection and Serenity
Restoring Balance
Beauty
Inspired by "The Alchemist," Just as nature finds Immersing ourselves in the
we recognize the importance equilibrium, we too must natural world allows us to
of preserving our environment strive for sustainable practices reconnect with our intrinsic
and finding solace in nature. that nurture our planet and values and embrace a sense of
ensure a flourishing future for calm and harmony.
all.
Simplicity and Minimalism
Embracing Simplicity
By decluttering our lives and
focusing on what truly matters, we
Mindful Consumption 2 create space for personal growth and
fulfillment.
Adopting a minimalist mindset
enables us to make conscious
choices, reducing our impact on the 3 Freedom from Materialism
environment and enhancing overall
well-being. "The Alchemist" reminds us that true
wealth lies in experiences,
relationships, and inner contentment,
rather than material possessions.
Listening to Intuition
Tapping into Inner Trusting the Journey Embracing Spontaneity
Wisdom
Leaning into intuition opens
Honoring our intuition guides Silencing external noise and
us up to serendipity and
us towards fulfilling paths and tuning into our inner voice
unexpected opportunities,
helps us make decisions allows us to navigate life's
enriching our experiences.
aligned with our authentic uncertainties with confidence
selves. and clarity.
Self-Discovery and Transformation
Embracing 2 Forging New 3 Fulfilling
Growth Identities Potential
As we embark on our The alchemical process Through self-
personal journeys, we of self-discovery exploration, we unlock
discover hidden hidden talents and
allows us to shed
capabilities,
aspects of ourselves societal labels and
empowering us to lead
and undergo profound embrace our true, purposeful and
transformations. authentic selves. impactful lives.
Thank you
very much!
Group 1
