The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
Mentioned 5 times across 5 shows · first heard Aug 2025 on On Purpose with Jay Shetty.
The general take
Candace Parker loves The Alchemist and rereads it annually, finding new meaning with each life transition. She's particularly drawn to the character of Fatima and how the book portrays her as supporting the protagonist's journey rather than being an obstacle to it.
About
The extraordinary international bestseller. “It’s a brilliant, magical, life-changing book that continues to blow my mind with its lessons."—Neil Patrick Harris, actor “Translated into 80 languages, the allegory teaches us about dreams, destiny, and the reason we are all here.”—Oprah Daily Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom, and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, this beloved work of philosophical fiction, The Alchemist , has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and soul-stirring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried near the Pyramids.
Who said what
Spencer West👍 Recommends
…spencer west discussing the core philosophy underlying his book breaking free
“The whole crux of the book is around one of my favorite quotes by Paolo Coelho from The Alchemist who says, maybe our journey is to not become anything. Maybe our journey is to become everything that isn't really us.”
Passion Struck with John R. Miles — How to Overcome Identity Distortion and Live Authentically | Spencer West - EP 784at 19:12
Arsenio Hall💬 Mentioned
…reading fiction books that cause sleepiness and relaxation
“The Alchemist I have been on page 12 for like a year and a half, you know. Sit down on a plane and just read The Alchemist at the top of the page and I'm out.”
The Joe Rogan Experience — #2480 - Arsenio Hallat 24:08
Andre Dickens👍 Recommends
…discussing books that have influenced his leadership approach
“What's one book that's changed your leadership style? The Alchemist. It's a great book. It's a fable. I've read it. I read it every time I'm trying to make a significant change. You know, I've probably read it six or seven times now. Okay. It's an easy read too. Yeah, it's a great book.”
Mick Unplugged — Solving Atlanta’s Challenges with Mayor Andre Dickensat 24:58
Candace Parker👍 Recommends
…discussing how the book's themes about personal growth influenced her own life journey
“And I can remember reading The Alchemist, which is one of my favorite books. I read once a year, usually. And I've read it from high school because every transition, you see something different in the book. And I remember being fascinated by Fatima and The Alchemist. And Fatima was this, you know, this woman that is everything he ever wanted. But she allowed him to finish his journey and working on himself and experiencing life before love, you know, before she would accept his hand.”
IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson — Find The Can-Do Attitude with Candace Parkerat 41:13
Big Sean👍 Recommends
…discussing how answers are within you not outside yourself
“And that's something to always remember that we always think that the answers are out there. But really the answers most of the time are right where you are. That's what, that's actually the concept of The Alchemist, one of my favorite books as well.”
On Purpose with Jay Shetty — Big Sean: Stop Wishing & Start Manifesting (THIS is the Secret Formula to Making Your Dreams a REALITY)at 30:10
Listener reviews
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