“Sometimes it is better to be with the sheep…” This line from Coelho isn’t about giving up; it’s a profound, almost cynical, take on the price of ambition and the comfort of conformity.
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Meaning
The core message is that conformity offers a safe, uncritical space, while the pursuit of a Personal Legend invites doubt, criticism, and judgment from the world.
Explanation
Look, here’s the thing I’ve seen play out again and again. The “sheep” in this context aren’t stupid. They’re the system, the crowd, the conventional path. And when you’re in that flock, there’s a powerful, unspoken agreement: you don’t challenge the direction, and in return, you receive validation and a sense of belonging. No one tells you you’re wrong because you’re all following the same, well-trodden map. The moment you step off that path to chase something uniquely yours—that’s when the “shepherds” and even other would-be travelers come out to tell you why it won’t work. The quote isn’t advocating for a life with the sheep; it’s just stating a raw, honest fact about the psychological safety found in not standing out. It’s the easy way, but it’s the way that kills your dream before it’s even born.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Category | Wisdom (385) |
| Topics | judgment (32), simplicity (18) |
| Literary Style | narrative (32), pithy (25) |
| Emotion / Mood | gentle (183), sarcastic (11) |
| Overall Quote Score | 50 (8) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote originates directly from Paulo Coelho’s massively influential 1988 novel, *The Alchemist*, originally published in Portuguese (as *O Alquimista*) in Brazil. It’s a key piece of dialogue that reflects the book’s central theme. You’ll sometimes see it misattributed to general “philosophy” or other writers, but its true home is firmly within Santiago’s journey.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Paulo Coelho (368) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Alchemist (72) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Paulo Coelho(1947) is a world acclaimed novelist known for his writings which covers spirituality with underlying human emotion with a profound storytelling. His transformative pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago inspired his breakthrough book, The Pilgrimage which is soon followed by The Alchemist< which went on to become the best seller. Through mystical narratives and introspective style, Paulo Coelho even today inspires millions of people who are seeking meaning and purpose in their life
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Sometimes it is better to be with the sheep, they never tell you you are wrong |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1988; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-0061122415; Last edition: HarperOne (illustrated edition, 2014); Number of pages: 208. |
| Where is it? | Part One, shepherd’s reflection, NeedVerification – Edition 2014, page range ~[6–12] |