The quote you are referring to is from the book "The Alchemist," which is a novel by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. The novel was originally published in Portuguese in 1988, and it has since become an international bestseller translated into numerous languages.
Quote: "When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too."
- Speaker: The speaker of this quote is the character of the Alchemist himself. The Alchemist is a wise and enigmatic character in the novel who acts as a mentor to the protagonist, Santiago. He teaches Santiago about the importance of pursuing one's "Personal Legend," or true purpose in life.
- Listener: The listener, in the context of the story, is Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd. Santiago is on a journey to discover his own Personal Legend, and he meets various characters along the way, including the Alchemist, who impart wisdom and knowledge to him. Through the Alchemist's words, Santiago learns about personal growth, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all things.
- Context: This particular quote occurs during a conversation between the Alchemist and Santiago. Throughout the novel, Santiago is searching for a treasure that he believes is located near the Egyptian pyramids. However, as he undergoes this physical journey, he also goes through a spiritual journey where he learns about the importance of self-improvement and following his dreams. The Alchemist, who has profound wisdom about the Soul of the World and alchemy, shares this piece of wisdom with Santiago. He is basically telling Santiago that by improving oneself and striving to be the best version of oneself, it has a positive effect on the world around us. This embodies the novel's theme of personal growth and the pursuit of one's dreams.
In essence, this quote is a reflection on the power of personal growth and its ripple effect on the surrounding world. The Alchemist, through his words, emphasizes to Santiago the importance of continuous self-improvement, not just for oneself but also for the collective good. This is a universal message that extends beyond the characters and resonates with readers, encouraging them to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and personal growth.