The Alchemist Quotes
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Source: The Alchemist
Author: Paulo Coelho
Because when we love, we always strive to become better than we are.
Context
This line is from the novel The Alchemist, written by Paulo Coehlo (1988).
The Alchemist is full of philosophical conversations, like one between a boy and the sun. Maybe it's the sun from Super Mario Bros. 3, the one with the face, although that sun is more likely to swoop down and kill you than discuss philosophy.
Anyway, the sun wants to talk to the boy about the power of love. Not the Huey Lewis song, but legit L-O-V-E. The boy says that the sun isn't capable of love because he remains static and observes things from afar. Then he delivers this quote, telling us love's capacity to transform.
Where you've heard it
You read this on Facebook posts by people who think it is profound wisdom.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
Quoting Paulo Coelho is like quoting a self-help guru you saw on TV at 3 a.m. It's a nice thought, but maybe just leave it for Coelho himself.