Topic > A theme of fear in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Fear is present in all human beings and always brings us back into the darkness. It is also something that will protect us by signaling danger and preparing us to deal with it. But behind that fear is your Personal Legend. A personal legend is the spiritual purpose of your life. It is a spiritual calling that awakens a deep desire and passion to live with purpose for something greater than yourself. The protagonist, Santiago, during his journey learns to listen to his heart and follow the language of omens. Between every passing obstacle and difficulty the boy encounters, there is a lesson to be learned. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a book about how Santiago pursues his dreams, however, he faces multiple types of fears during his journey. Fear is also what makes us human, and if we couldn't be afraid, we wouldn't survive for long. And most importantly, we would not be able to make our own decisions because we think we don't deserve them or that we aren't capable of achieving them. “People are afraid to pursue their biggest dreams because they feel they don't deserve them or that they aren't capable of achieving them.” People tend to believe that our heart tells us things like when it's scared, sad, happy, and angry. However, people also think that it is silly to follow your dreams because it is something a child would do and that you need to think realistically and act more like an "adult". Those who decide not to act on their dreams later lead them to regret and wish they had: “You will never be able to escape your heart. So it's best to listen to what he has to say." You won't be able to run away from your problems or fears, so it's best to face them head on. For example, when there is an obstacle in your way to success after working so hard, would you quit for this reason or would you continue to go straight and defeat everything that is in your way? We human beings are creatures who crave success and do not let our fears stand in our way to make us a proud and successful person. However, to be a successful person you must first complete your Personal Legend. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Fear of Losing Your Loved Ones. Santiago from The Alchemist falls in love with a girl who fetched water, Fatima, who distracts Santiago from his dream of reaching the pyramids and his treasure. “Maktub,” he said. “If I am truly part of your dream, one day you will return” (The Alchemist). With the beauty she had, Santiago fell in love with her, that love for her led Santiago to make the decision to simply stay in the oasis with her instead of chasing the treasure. However, he knew that he could not do so because he was seeking his Personal Legend, "And I am part of your dream, a part of your Personal Legend, as you call it" (The Alchemist). Santiago wonders if Fatima could be the treasure he has traveled so far to discover. His smile appears like an omen, the one he's been waiting for all his life. Santiago finally realized his personal legend and part of it was Fatima. Fear of seeing how society will treat or judge you. There some people judge others and believe that their judgment is correct when in reality it has nothing to do with reality. Furthermore, some people who are judged negatively by others feel bad about themselves and believe that there is something wrong with them, this results in low self-confidence and low self-esteem. “Most people see the world as a threatening place, and because they do, the world actually turns out to be a threatening place….” GarlicIn some people's eyes, they see the world as a cruel and cold place. There are some people who assume the intentions of others when they lack information and this leads to incorrect judgment most of the time. In today's society there are people who take a look at some people judging them by their appearance or skin color. “Everywhere society conspires against the virility of each of its members. The company is a joint stock company in which the members undertake to better guarantee their bread to each shareholder, to renounce the freedom and culture of those who eat, the most requested virtue is conformism". In other words, society glorifies conformity to man-made rules, laws, and customs. A great man should be able to decide for himself what is right or wrong, without any help. Fear of never realizing your dreams. The fear of never achieving your dreams is a scary topic, because just thinking about it sends a shiver down your spine or freezes you on the spot. The truth is, the bigger your dreams, the harder it will be to achieve them. “But now I'm sad and alone. I will become bitter and distrustful of people because one person betrayed me. I will hate those who have found their treasure because I have never found mine." As a result, it becomes easier to not try at all to avoid pain, disappointment, and rejection. You will never be able to find out how far you could have come. We are afraid of losing what we have, whether it is our life or our possessions and possessions, “But this fear evaporates when we understand that the stories of our lives and the history of the world were written by the same hand.” However, you shouldn't have let these fears stop you. Why? Because choosing to do nothing is the worst decision of all. Everyone faces pivotal moments in their lives and it's up to you to find the courage to pursue your Personal Legend. Fear of letting things go. It is easier to hold on to the past than face the reality of the present, which can hinder your development. The same can be true for people, places and things. Sometimes, we want to hold on to something from the past, which pushes us to make decisions that aren't aligned with what's right for ourselves in the moment. “And, when you want something, the whole universe conspires to help you achieve it.” Letting go is something we all need to do in our lives. It doesn't mean forgetting a memory or faking something that didn't happen. It's about appreciating something for what it is, whether it's a past relationship or where you used to live. At the same time, you know what is right for you in the present. “I live neither in my past nor in my future. I'm only interested in the present. If you can always focus on the present, you will be a happy man. Life will be a celebration for you, a great celebration, because life is the moment we are living” (The Alchemist). Even if someone who has been good to you in the past, may not be what you need now. In truth, letting go is liberating. It frees us from our burdens, the past and unnecessary worries. When you let go, you can simply take with you the knowledge that you can choose to shape your present and future. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The Alchemist is a book on the topic such as the multiple fears that Santiago had to face in his journey to pursue his Personal Legend. The many fears Santiago faced were of being in the dark, of losing loved ones, of being judged by other people, of never achieving his dreams, and of letting things go. Everyone has different reactions to.