How we cite our quotes: (Part.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." (1.118)
Ooh, ooh, we know. How about an unlimited supply of chocolate milkshakes and fries? Oh, wait. Maybe the old king was talking about a desire that goes beyond the after-school hunger pangs. He's saying that there's a deep desire in each of us to fulfill our dreams, and that if we'll go for it things will fall into place to help us achieve it.
Quote #5
"Maktub," the merchant said, finally.
"What does that mean?"
"You would have to have been born an Arab to understand," he answered. "But in your language it would be something like, 'It is written.'" (2.47-49)
Here comes the maktub again. This Arabic concept of an event being written has a lot to do with fate and destiny. The crystal merchant isn't really into Santiago's innovations to his business, but he feels that destiny has brought the boy to his shop and there's no stopping the changes to come. The events are written and he's not powerful enough to erase them.
Quote #6
The Englishman was disappointed. It seemed he had made the long journey for nothing. The boy was also saddened; his friend was in pursuit of his Personal Legend. And, when someone was in such pursuit, the entire universe made an effort to help him succeed—that's what the old king had said. He couldn't have been wrong. (2.243)
This is one of several setbacks that cause Santiago to doubt the idea that dreams are fated to come true. When he and the Englishman have trouble finding the alchemist, it seems that, even though the Englishman is following his Personal Legend, they've come to a dead end. Of course it's all part of the fun, since the difficulty of finding the alchemist leads Santiago straight to Fatima. Bonus two-for-one on Personal Legends. Ka-ching!