“You're a man who has suffered and wants revenge,' she said. 'Your heart is dead, your soul is in darkness. The devil by your side is smiling because you are playing the game he invented.”
“You're a man who has suffered and wants revenge,' she said. 'Your heart is dead, your soul is in darkness. The devil by your side is smiling because you are playing the game he invented.” - Paulo Coelho
In this quote from Paulo Coelho's novel, it is clear that the speaker is addressing a character who is consumed by feelings of suffering and a desire for revenge. The speaker suggests that this character's heart is dead and their soul is in darkness, indicating a deep sense of despair and hopelessness within them. By mentioning the devil by their side, the speaker implies that this character is being led astray and influenced by evil forces. Ultimately, the quote highlights the destructive nature of seeking revenge and being consumed by darkness.
In this quote by Paulo Coelho, the idea of seeking revenge and being consumed by darkness is explored. In today's society, the theme of revenge is still prevalent, whether it be through personal conflicts or societal injustices. The portrayal of a person whose heart is dead and soul is in darkness is a powerful reminder of the consequences of holding on to anger and resentment. The devil symbolizing the negative forces that can influence our actions serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of seeking revenge.
Reflecting on this quote from Paulo Coelho's work, think about the idea of revenge and darkness in one's soul. Consider the following questions:
How do you interpret the relationship between suffering and the desire for revenge in this quote?
Do you believe that seeking revenge can ultimately lead to darkness in one's soul?
What do you think Coelho is trying to convey about the influence of external forces, such as the devil, on our actions and emotions?
Have you ever experienced a situation where revenge seemed like the only solution? How did you handle it, and what were the consequences?
In what ways can we break free from the cycle of seeking revenge and find peace within ourselves?
“When you want something with all your heart, that's when you are closest to the Soul of the World.... when you love someone with all your heart, that's when you are transformed.""Everything on earth is being continuously transformed, because the earth is alive... and it has a soul. We are part of that soul, so we rarely recognize that it is working for us.... we continue to change as change is the nature of man. No one is "just this way". That is who they are today - it will not be who they are tomorrow.”
“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.”
“Love is the falcon’s flight over your sands. Because for him, you are a green field, from which he always returns with game. He knows your rocks, your dunes, and your mountains, and you are generous to him.”
“You came so that you could learn about your dreams," said the old woman. "And dreams are the language of God. When he speaks in our language, I can interpret what he has said. But if he speaks in the language of the soul, it is only you who can understand.”
“She wants to drink that man too, and then she can forget forever the cheap wine that you gulp down and that makes you feel drunk, but always leaves you with a headache and an empty space in your soul.”
“Turning to me, he said, "Take away your hand; it has deceived you. The road of the Tradition is not for the chosen few. It is everyone's road. And the power that you think you have is worthless, because it is a power that is shared by all. You should have refused your sword. If you had done so, it would have been given to you, because you would have shown that your heart was pure. But just as I feared, at the supreme moment you stumbled and fell. Because of your avidity, you will now have to seek again for your sword. And because of your pride, you will have to seek it among simple people. Because of your fascination with miracles, you will have to struggle to recapture what was about to be given to you so generously.”