He knew that a person’s only real job… This isn’t just a line from a book; it’s a call to adventure for your own life.
Share Image Quote:Table of Contents
Meaning
The core message is that our fundamental purpose isn’t to climb a corporate ladder or accumulate wealth, but to discover and pursue our unique, personal calling—our “Personal Legend.”
Explanation
Look, I’ve worked with this idea for years, and here’s the real deal. Most people treat their “job” as the thing on their business card. But Coelho is saying that’s just a means to an end. Your real job, the one you were born for, is an internal quest. It’s about identifying that one thing that sets your soul on fire—and then having the stubbornness to never, ever stop moving towards it, no matter the detours. The search itself is the point. It’s active, it’s relentless.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Category | Life (320) |
| Topics | persistence (32), purpose (186) |
| Literary Style | direct (414), narrative (32) |
| Emotion / Mood | encouraging (304), resolute (28) |
| Overall Quote Score | 64 (18) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes straight from Paulo Coelho’s global phenomenon, The Alchemist, first published in 1988 in Brazil (original title: O Alquimista). While the book’s themes feel timeless and universal, this specific phrasing is Coelho’s and is not, as sometimes misattributed, an ancient proverb.
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 | He knew that a person’s only real job in life is to find his treasure and keep searching until he does |
| 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, leaving Andalusia, NeedVerification – Edition 2014, page range ~[40–50] |