The creator of the well-being theory, Martin Seligman, identified twenty-four character strength in relation to engagement (Seligman). Besides engagement, these strengths can enhance the other components of “PERMA”, which is the mnemonic device for: positive emotion, engagement, positive relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. That is because in certain ways, the five are interconnected along with the strengths of an individual. In Paulo Coehlo’s The Alchemist, Santiago displays character strengths such as love of learning and teamwork, and through his search for his personal legend, he develops judgment; these strengths also aid this pursuit. Santiago’s love of learning is present throughout the entire novel, this is the quality that propels him to become a shepherd. From his two years with his sheep, he believes that he is living out his dream; however, he observes that these sheep had a one track mind. He recognizes that “they’ve forgotten how to rely on their own instincts” (Coelho 7). This is the sort of unmindfulness he…show more content… The king reminds Santiago to pay attention and not be like the boy with the spoon of oil, and so he becomes a master at reading signs of the world. During his time with the crystal merchant, he is able to experience a perspective of someone who refuses to accomplish his or her personal legend. Through the Englishman, Santiago acknowledges that alchemy is an interesting topic, but not for him; he has put one legend to pursue (Coelho 83). The most significant lesson arose from the Alchemist who truly led him through the desert and helped him understand the language of the world. Fundamentally, Santiago builds a relationship with these people and conspires with nature in order to fulfill his personal legend of obtaining treasure and personal
