You are someone who is different, but who wants to be the same… that’s the core of a serious illness, according to Coelho. It’s a powerful idea that challenges our deepest social instincts. Let’s break down why this concept hits so hard.
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Meaning
The quote’s core message is that self-betrayal is a form of sickness. It’s not about being different; it’s about the active, exhausting effort to suppress your uniqueness to fit in.
Explanation
Look, I’ve seen this play out so many times. We’re taught from a young age to follow the path, to blend in. But Coelho is pointing a finger at the internal cost of that. It’s the mental energy spent trying to be someone you’re not. It’s the quiet erosion of your spirit. That’s the “serious illness”—it’s a sickness of the soul, a chronic condition of inauthenticity that drains your life force. It’s not a one-time thing; it’s a daily choice to hide your true self, and that has profound consequences.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Portuguese (513) |
| Category | Life (393) |
| Topics | authenticity (123), conformity (2), individuality (7) |
| Literary Style | direct (442), provocative (38) |
| Overall Quote Score | 86 (303) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes directly from Paulo Coelho’s 2011 novel, Aleph. The book is a semi-autobiographical account of his own spiritual journey, and this line is a key piece of wisdom shared within the narrative. You won’t find it in his more famous work, The Alchemist, so that’s a common mix-up.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Paulo Coelho (512) |
| Source Type | Book (4617) |
| Source/Book Name | Aleph (16) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1758) |
| Original Language | Portuguese (513) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4617) |
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 | You are someone who is different, but who wants to be the same as everyone else. And that in my view is a serious illness |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 2010 (Brazil); ISBN: 978-0-307-58845-4; Latest Edition: Vintage International 2012; 288 pages. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page 33, Chapter: The Illness of Conformity |