You know, in a world where everyone seeks success, we often forget what truly matters. It’s a constant battle between ambition and identity, and Coelho captures that tension perfectly. Let’s break down why this quote hits so hard.
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Meaning
The core message is a stark warning: the relentless pursuit of external success can come at the ultimate cost—your own soul, your own identity.
Explanation
Look, I’ve seen this happen time and again. We get so caught up in the chase—the next promotion, the bigger house, the perfect social media life—that we start making compromises. Small ones at first. We silence a part of our personality to fit in. We take a job that pays well but drains our spirit. And before you know it, you’re living a life that looks successful on paper, but feels utterly empty on the inside. You’ve essentially outsourced your self-worth to a set of societal metrics. The “you” that wanted to be an artist, or the “you” that valued quiet weekends with family, gets lost in the noise. It’s a slow, subtle erosion of self.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Category | Life (320) |
| Topics | identity (102), society (20), success general (86) |
| Literary Style | philosophical (434) |
| Emotion / Mood | somber (55) |
| Overall Quote Score | 85 (305) |
Origin & Factcheck
This line comes straight from Coelho’s 2008 novel, The Winner Stands Alone, which is set against the glamorous but cutthroat backdrop of the Cannes Film Festival. It’s a modern tale, and importantly, it’s often misattributed to his more famous work, The Alchemist. So if you see it credited there, that’s a common mistake.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Paulo Coelho (368) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Winner Stands Alone (55) |
| 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 | In a world where everyone seeks success, it’s easy to lose yourself |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 2008 (Brazil); ISBN: 978-0-06-175044-1; Latest Edition: Harper Perennial 2009; 368 pages. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page 39, Chapter: The Lost Self |