MYSTICISM, DESTINY, AND THE HERMENEUTICS OF SELF-DISCOVERY IN PAULO COELHO'S THE ALCHEMIST
M. Mohamed Khaled, I. Mohammed Nazar, I. Vazeer Mohamed & S. Sheik Dawood
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) June 23, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20815773 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Keywords | Hermeneutics Alchemy Transformative learning Existentialism Enlightenment Metaphysics Legend Phronesis Epistemology Interpretation philosophy Reincarnation Consolation Narratology Nous Discernment Metanarrative Philosophy and literature Practical wisdom Jungian analytical psychology |
| Key points | Argues that The Alchemist presents self-discovery as a hermeneutic process in which the individual learns to interpret the language of the universe, with the Personal Legend serving as a metaphysical framework for self-actualization. |
Abstract
Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist is one of the most influential spiritual narratives of contemporary literature, celebrated for its philosophical insights into destiny, self-discovery, and human fulfillment. The novel chronicles the transformative journey of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd whose search for worldly treasure evolves into a profound quest for spiritual enlightenment and self-realization. This paper explores the interrelationship between mysticism, destiny, and hermeneutics in The Alchemist. Employing the theoretical perspectives of Hans-Georg Gadamer and Paul Ricoeur, the study examines how Santiago's encounters with dreams, omens, symbols, and mystical experiences function as interpretative acts that contribute to the formation of identity. The paper argues that the concept of the Personal Legend serves as a metaphysical framework through which Coelho articulates a philosophy of self-actualization. Through close textual analysis, the study demonstrates that The Alchemist transcends the inconventional quest narrative and presents self-discovery as a hermeneutic process in which the individual learns to interpret the language of the universe. Ultimately, the novel affirms the significance of spiritual awareness, courage, and perseverance in achieving existential fulfillment.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on mysticism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The mystical mind: probing the biology of religious experience | 2000 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Religious and Mystical Experiences as Artifacts of Temporal Lobe Function: A General Hypothesis | 1983 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Problem of Pure Consciousness: Mysticism and Philosophy | 1993 | Edited collection of essays | |
| Irreducible Mind: Toward a Psychology for the 21st Century | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mysticism and schizophrenia: A phenomenological exploration of the structure of consciousness in the schizophrenia spectrum disorders. | 2016 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |