“It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary; only wise men are able to understand them.”

— Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist (1988)

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.”

“The wise man will live as long as he ought, not as long as he can.”

“The universe is flux, life is opinion.”

“The young have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations.”

“I want to know whether I can live with what I know and with that alone.”

“When Life does not find a singer to sing her heart she produces a philosopher to speak her mind.”

“You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you.”