MYSTICISM, DESTINY, AND THE HERMENEUTICS OF SELF-DISCOVERY IN PAULO COELHO'S THE ALCHEMIST
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) June 23, 2026 M. Mohamed Khaled, I. Mohammed Nazar, I. Vazeer Mohamed & S. Sheik Dawood
Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist is examined as a spiritual narrative that uses mysticism, destiny, and hermeneutics to explore self-discovery. Drawing on Hans-Georg Gadamer and Paul Ricoeur, the paper argues that Santiago's journey—interpreting dreams, omens, and symbols—is a hermeneutic process of identity formation. The Personal Legend is presented as a metaphysical framework for self-actualization, showing that the novel transforms a conventional quest into a lesson in reading the language of the universe. It affirms that spiritual awareness, courage, and perseverance lead to existential fulfillment.