“We must never forget that spiritual experience is above all a practical experience of love.”

— Paulo Coelho, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept (1994)

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.”

“Love the little trade which thou hast learned, and be content therewith.”

“There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.”

“There is the love of knowing without the love of learning; the beclouding here leads to dissipation of mind.”

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

“They who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and they who love it are not equal to those who delight in it.”

“Something the heart must have to cherish, must love and joy and sorrow learn.”