No one follows their dreams; in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho it is emphasized that everyone has a designated personal legend. The reading demonstrates “people's inability to choose their own personal legends” inflicted by the biggest lie in the world, “our lives are controlled by destiny”. Coelho's writing is composed by Santiago, a boy whose legend was born from a dream, who now tries to make it come true. The Alchemist shows how important it is for people to discover and realize their own personal legends. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayNot everyone follows their legends, only a select few do, at the beginning of the novel only those who have the desire to realize their dream are shown. The crystal merchant had no courage, he says "you know I won't go to Mecca". Santiago had the youth and desire to follow his legend and was told "you know you won't buy your sheep". Even if an individual doesn't follow their own legend, it doesn't mean they don't have one. In The Alchemist Coelho states that "everyone, when they are young, knows what their personal legend is", only a select few contain the drive to actually try. Evidence for this deduction can be found in the English and other people trying to understand the legendary emerald tablet. Everyone understood that their legend is to obtain the philosopher's stone, but only the English are actually attempting to realize his legend. From what the reader sees, the Englishman is the only person who wants the philosopher's stone, who has the heart and drive to fully commit to his legend. All people have the potential to realize their own personal legend, those who have the desire and work hard enough to realize their dreams. It can be inferred from The Alchemist that Santiago has the right personality and ambition to find his treasure. A representation of his personality is when he meets Fatima, Coelho says, “the soul of the world is born within him”, he reveals how Santiago knows the language of the world and how love is intertwined with it. He is described as determined and curious about the world, his dream ignites his desire to find the treasure and learn about the world. He is one of the people created for their legends, unlike many others who are too precious to take the risk for their legends. In the text many people do not follow their legends, the baker and the crystal merchant know what their legend is, their destiny, but they choose not to follow it. When an individual completes his legend, his situation improves, not only thanks to the treasure, but thanks to the experience. Santiago had the grace of finding Fatima, of knowing the omens and of knowing love. Following dreams improves your life even if the dream doesn't actually come true. The people met, the lessons learned and the experience are what make the journey worth taking and that is why it is important to follow the legends.