We are told repeatedly that the universe is built to make true the dreams of those who believe most firmly. Still, there is something unquestionably adolescent about the whole business. Santiago sets off on a quest, and everything lines up to make that quest possible. This is a fable, so you have to accept a certain amount of easy narrative and simplified conflict. It seemed to have acquired a reputation as contemporary ‘wisdom literature,’ something someone would encourage you to read if you were feeling down or uninspired. I didn’t know that much about the book except for the fact that a lot of people seem to have enjoyed it. Then she took it a step further, reminding me that she enjoyed Jonathan Livingston Seagull when she was 13. My wife beat me to the punch with the line I’d intended to start my reflections on this: The Alchemist is this generation’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
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