As Santiago and the alchemist are traveling through the desert towards the pyramids, they have a discussion about listening to one's heart. The boy is closer than ever to finding his treasure and he feels apprehensive. He is also concerned because he feels as if his heart hasn't spoken to him in awhile and it is usually very talkative. The boy tells the alchemist that his heart is agitated, emotional, passionate, and it keeps him awake thinking about Fatima, the woman he loves. The alchemist tells him to keep listening to his heart because if he stops, he may eventually lose all communication with it. Santiago then asks if he should listen to his heart even if it is treasonous. The alchemist says the following:
"If you know your heart well, it will never be able to do that to you. Because you'll know its dreams and wishes, and will know how to deal with them" (129).
The alchemist continues to teach Santiago that he must always listen to his heart so he won't ever be surprised by "an unanticipated blow" (129). Fortunately, Santiago listens to the alchemist's advice and continues to listen to his heart. Consequently, he is able to accept his heart for what it is--the center of a person that experiences all sorts of emotions. When his heart tells him that it is afraid of suffering, the alchemist tells Santiago to tell it the following:
"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity" (130).
Once Santiago learns to explain these things to his heart, it quiets down and he is able to sleep through the night.
No comments:
Post a Comment