In The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho the Crystal Merchant, Fatima, The Alchemist and Melchizedek taught Santiago the greatest lesson along his journey, the importance of perseverance. For example the Alchemist said ‘”You must understand that love never keeps a man from pursuing his destiny. If he abandons that pursuit, it's because it wasn't true love … the love that speaks the language of the world.’” (120) The Alchemist encouraged Santiago to continue his journey, and did not let his love for Fatima come in the way of his Personal Legend. Without Fatima, Santiago would not have realized that his true love could strengthen him and allow him to continue his journey. In addition the Crystal Merchant exemplified the life Santiago wants to avoid. The Crystal Merchant is scared of change and following his dreams because he believes that when dreams are achieved life has no meaning anymore, like when the Crystal Merchant says, “’I don't want to change anything, because I don't know how to deal with change. I'm used to the way I am.’” (53) This made Santiago realize that was something he never wanted to be and wanted to continue to carry onto his journey. Another example would be when Melchizedek says, “’ When you want something, the entire universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.’” (22) Santiago didn’t know how to get to the Pyramids or how he would accomplish it, he started to feel like finding his Personal Legend would be impossible. Melchizedek encouraged Santiago to