When you want something badly, it’s not just a random whim. It’s a signal, a little nudge from the cosmos itself, suggesting that your deep desire is actually part of a bigger, universal plan. It’s about aligning your personal ambition with a kind of soul-level destiny.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote suggests that our most profound desires aren’t merely personal; they’re echoes of a larger, universal intention. It’s the idea that the universe “wants” things to happen through us.
Explanation
Look, I’ve sat with this idea for a long, long time. It’s easy to think our ambitions are just ours alone. But Coelho is pointing to something much deeper. He’s framing that burning desire—the one that keeps you up at night—not as a personal flaw or a simple goal, but as a cosmic assignment. Think of the universe, or God, or the Source, or whatever you want to call it, as having a kind of soul. And your deepest, most authentic wants are born there first. They’re downloaded into your consciousness. So when you feel that powerful pull, it’s not just you. It’s the universe leaning in, whispering, “This way. This is part of the plan.” It reframes ambition from being selfish to being sacred. It’s a partnership.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Category | Spiritual (229) |
| Topics | desire (15), destiny (34), faith (73) |
| Literary Style | poetic (635) |
| Emotion / Mood | inspiring (392) |
| Overall Quote Score | 87 (185) |
Origin & Factcheck
This line comes straight from Coelho’s 2008 novel, The Winner Stands Alone. It was published in Brazil, and it’s a modern take on his classic themes. You sometimes see this quote floating around attributed to “The Alchemist,” but that’s a common mix-up. This one is firmly from his later work that critiques the world of fame and luxury.
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 | When you want something badly, it’s because that desire was born in the soul of the universe |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 2008 (Brazil); ISBN: 978-0-06-175044-1; Latest Edition: Harper Perennial 2009; 368 pages. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page 68, Chapter: The Soul’s Desire |