Question

What is the attitude of The Alchemist towards material wealth and individualism, and how does it differ from major world religions in this regard?

Answer 1

Compared with other religions there is no distinction drawn between the spiritual world and the material by the alchemist. To achieve the ultimate goals of creating the book adopts the means of individuality. Also, what appears throughout the book is the element of pantheism i.e., believe that God exists in all things, animals and people. For instance, when Santiago find omens in the natural entities like wind and desert by communicating. To this alchemist convey that just like humans these elements too are born from the soul of the world and have Personal Legends. Spiritual purification is also associated with the process of purifying metal. When Santiago tries to change himself into a wind or when a personal legend is pursued by the individual, it evolves into a higher form of being. Rather than practicing selflessness, this philosophy differs from traditional spirituality. This novel also portrays the characters such as crystal merchants, as failures who practice self-denial.