Santiago's (the main character of the story) father wanted him to be a priest but he wanted to travel the world. Later on he chose to be a shepherd and was happy with life despite making less money.

1. Do what makes you happy

What is personal calling?It is God's blessing, it is the path that God chose for you here on Earth. Whenever we do something that fills us with enthusiasm, we are following our destiny.

2. Be aware of our personal calling

"One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving."

Fear holds us back and stops us from taking risks. Any new pursuit requires entering uncharted territory - that's scary. But with any great risk comes great reward. The experiences you gain in pursuing your dream will make it all worthwhile.

3. We fear nothing but fear itself

Before a dream is realized, the World tests everything that was learned along the way.It does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams, master the lessons we've learned as we've moved toward that dream. That's the point at which most people give up.

5. Be ready to be tested

The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times. Because the eighth time could be your breakthrough.The boy in the story lost his gold (all the money) about 2 times during his journey. But that didn't stop him pursuing his destiny. He worked again and again to earn more money and keep chasing his dreams.

4. Never Give Up

A special 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international bestseller, including a new Foreword by Paulo Coelho. Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations. Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.

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A special 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international bestseller, including a new Foreword by Paulo Coelho.Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations.Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.

Paulo Coelho de Souza is a Brazilian lyricist and novelist and a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters since 2002. His novel The Alchemist became an international best-seller and he has published 30 more books since then.