Listen to Your Heart

The alchemist repeatedly tells Santiago to listen to his heart. Why is it so important to understand one's heart?

Meeting with the Alchemist

What important message does the alchemist convey to Santiago? Why does the alchemist suggest Santiago go to the desert? What does Santiago learn from the alchemist in the desert?

Learning from reading or from experiences?

Which way of learning do you prefer—learning from books or learning from experiences? Why? Please explain.

The Englishman

The Englishman, whom Santiago meets when he joins the caravan to the Egyptian pyramids, is searching for “a universal language, understood by everybody.” What is that language? According to the Englishman, what are the parallels between reading and alchemy? How does the Englishman’s search for the alchemist compare to Santiago’s search for a treasure? How did the Englishman and Santiago feel about each other?

Your Attitudes toward Dreams?

When he talked about the pilgrimage to Mecca, the crystal merchant argued that having a dream is more important than fulfilling it, which is what Santiago was trying to do. Do you agree with Santiago’s rationale or the crystal merchant’s?

The Most Crucial Lesson

One of the first major diversions from Santiago’s journey was the theft of his money in Tangier, which forced him into taking a menial job with the crystal merchant. There, Santiago learned many lessons on everything from the art of business to the art of patience. Of all these, which lessons were the most crucial to the pursuit of his Personal Legend?

What has Santiago done in Tangier?

Santiago stays in Tangier for almost a year because he loses all his money. Summarize what he has done over the year.

Would You Take the Test?

Assume that one of your parents suffered from Huntington's disease. Would you want to take the DNA test for the disease? Give reasons to support your decision.