When we stop believing miracles can happen, we essentially close the door on life’s magic. It’s about that spark of hope that fuels our biggest leaps and makes the journey worthwhile. Without it, we’re just going through the motions.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote argues that a sense of wonder and the possibility of the extraordinary are not childish fantasies, but the very engine of a vibrant, engaged life.
Explanation
Look, I’ve seen this play out so many times. It’s not about literally waiting for a burning bush. It’s about the internal shift. When you believe a “miracle”—a breakthrough, a lucky break, a stunning turn of events—is possible, you operate differently. You take that extra call. You pitch the crazy idea. You have that difficult conversation. You’re open to serendipity. But the moment you decide the world is fixed and predictable, that’s when you start playing not to lose. You contract. You stop seeing opportunities because you’ve already decided they don’t exist. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. The magic doesn’t leave the world; you just stop being able to see it.
Quote Summary
Reading Level68
Aesthetic Score92
Origin & Factcheck
This one’s correctly attributed to Paulo Coelho. It comes straight from his 1996 novel, The Fifth Mountain, which is set in the 9th century BC. You sometimes see it floating around as a generic inspirational quote, but its roots are firmly in that book, in that story of profound crisis and faith.
Attribution Summary
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 | When we stop believing miracles can happen, we stop living fully |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 1996 (Brazil); ISBN: 978-0-06-112209-5; Latest Edition: HarperCollins 2009; 256 pages. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page 230, Chapter: The Miracle of Belief |
Context
In the novel, the protagonist, Elijah, is facing absolute ruin—his world has literally been destroyed. This thought emerges from that abyss. It’s not a fluffy, comfortable idea. It’s a survival mechanism born in the depths of despair, which honestly, makes it so much more powerful. It’s the ultimate “what do you have to lose?” mindset.
Usage Examples
I find myself coming back to this idea in a few key situations:
- For the Burned-Out Professional: You know, the one who’s cynical, who’s seen it all. I’ll say, “Remember when you thought you could actually land that first big client? That was the miracle mindset. We need to get back to that energy, even just a little.”
- For Personal Growth: Talking to a friend who’s given up on dating or a big life change. “The moment you stop believing someone amazing could walk into your life, or that you could learn a new skill, you’ve already lost. The belief has to come first.”
- In Creative Work: With my team, when we’re stuck. “Okay, let’s assume for a second a miracle happens and this campaign goes viral. What would that look like? What’s the wild idea we’re not saying?” It unlocks a different part of the brain.
To whom it appeals?
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Common Questions
Question: Is this about religion or blind faith?
Answer: Not necessarily. Think of “miracles” as a metaphor for positive uncertainty, for the potential of unexpected, wonderful outcomes. It’s about maintaining a posture of openness to life’s possibilities.
Question: Doesn’t this set you up for disappointment?
Answer: It’s a fair point. But I’d argue that closing yourself off to possibility guarantees a different kind of disappointment—the slow, quiet kind of regret. Believing in miracles is about the process, the attempt. The real failure is never trying at all.
Question: How do you practice this in a practical, daily way?
Answer: Small things. It’s sending the email you think might get ignored. It’s applying for the reach job. It’s saying hello to a stranger. It’s actively looking for one small, good, unexpected thing each day. You’re training your brain to spot the “mini-miracles,” and that changes everything.
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