PART TWO

Summary

Santiago comes to the realization after working for the crystal merchant for a month that it will take him a year to earn enough money to buy more sheep. He suggests to the merchant that they set up a display case for the crystal outside to attract more customers. When the merchant worries that the glass might be broken, the boy tells him that's the chances you must take when you are in business. You have to respond to the omens. You must also respond to the principle of favorability. The merchant also tells Santiago about his own dream to earn enough money to open his own shop and eventually make a pilgrimage to Mecca. However, he won't realize the dream, because he's afraid, once it's fulfilled, he'll have no reason to go on living. He prefers just to dream about Mecca and in that way, he's very different from the boy. Then he gives the boy permission to set up the display case.

Notes

This section of Part Two shows how the example and experiences of others can lead you to the right path. The crystal merchant has put his dream on hold out of fear that it won't live up to his expectations. Without knowing it, he has shown Santiago that regrets for unfulfilled dreams can reduce the quality of one's life. Santiago will watch this man over the next year and he will come to the realization that he cannot give up.

The boy's ingenuity about the crystal merchant's business impacts favorably not only on the profits of the store, but also on Santiago's self-esteem. This will help him make the right decision to continue searching for his treasure.

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Summary

The display case works and many more customers come into the crystal shop. Now, Santiago has earned enough money to double his flock and he thinks that the pyramids are now just a distant dream like Mecca is for the merchant. However, he still recognizes omens: when he hears a man complain how thirsty he is after climbing the hill to the crystal shop, he convinces the merchant to sell tea in crystal glasses for those who come there tired and thirsty. Again the merchant is reluctant to follow through with Santiago's advice, because it will mean change and he doesn't know how to deal with that. However, after much thought, he tells Santiago, Maktub, which means in English, It is written, and the boy begins selling the tea.

Notes

Here the omens show Santiago that he can accomplish much with just his wits and ingenuity. The crystal merchant is afraid of change, but Santiago is not, and that is the difference when one seeks his own Personal Legend.

The phrase Maktub implies the idea of fate, but in reality it is a sign of what path God has intended for each and every one of us. His is the hand that writes everything.

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Summary

The news spreads about the crystal shop which also sells tea and eventually the merchant must hire two more people to work there as well as import enormous quantities of tea.

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Summary

Eleven months and nine days after he set foot in Africa, Santiago has earned enough money to buy himself 120 sheep, a return ticket to Spain, and a license to import products from Africa to his own country. He tells the merchant that he is leaving to return home, because he has enough money for the sheep and the merchant has enough money to go to Mecca. He also asks the older man for his blessing. When the merchant finally speaks, he tells the boy how grateful he is for the new feeling he has brought into his shop, but that Santiago knows that the merchant is never going to Mecca and that he is never going to buy those sheep. Santiago asks him who told him that and the merchant only responds with the word, Maktub, and his blessing.

Notes

This section prepares the reader for what the merchant already knows: Santiago will not be able to give up his dream and will continue his journey.