“I can choose either to be a victim of the world or an adventurer in search of treasure.”

— Paulo Coelho, Eleven Minutes (2003)

About Paulo Coelho

Born 1947

Brazilian novelist and lyricist, author of 'The Alchemist', one of the most widely translated books by a living author.

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

“Lovers need to know how to lose themselves and then how to find themselves again.”

“The soul of the world is nourished by people's happiness.”

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”