Set the Example: Act on Your Beliefs
Paulo Coelho is the author of about 26 books and counting, including his most famous book, The Alchemist. Born on August 24, 1947, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Coelho was placed in an asylum a few times, beginning in his late teens, for his unorthodox behavior. He later forgave his parents for their misunderstanding, knowing that they meant no harm and loved him very much. After experiencing a Catholic pilgrimage when he was 36, Coelho decided to spend the rest of his life writing, beginning with his first book, The Pilgrimage (“Paulo Coelho Biography”).
Coelho once wrote that “The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” He is saying that opinions do not matter, unless those opinions are acted upon. Words mean nothing unless someone means what they say and goes out to show the world that they truly care. Everyone can have an opinion about something, but those who have opinions which they then act upon, change the world by working to inspire and influence those around them. Coelho lived by this quote in a few ways. He actively worked as a journalist and established a magazine called 2001 (“The Alchemist: Paulo Coelho”). Instead of sitting around exchanging his opinions, Coelho actively went out and applied himself to promoting the change he wanted to see in the world. He openly set the example of change, and was even jailed for it several times. Coelho also founded an institution to help the young and the old in 1966. He commented on the negative opinions that some of his books received, saying that he writes books because he simply wants to; whatever people take away from his books has nothing to do with him. The opinions of his readers do not sway him because they are only words (“Paulo Coelho Biography”).
Coelho’s quote also applies today since so many people have access to the world around them with the help of technology and mass media. Many people can make their own opinions known on the internet and receive feedback. People can discuss and debate about everything under the sun, but no one actually changes the world unless they act on their words. No one helps the hungry by showing sympathy on Facebook, or by scolding them about not doing something they should do to improve their situation. If everyone on the Internet acted on their words instead of typing their opinion in a status or under a post, the world would be a much better place, or worse depending on who decides to set the example.
Works Cited
"The Alchemist: Paulo Coelho.” Cliff Notes. Web. 29 Feb. 2016.<http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/a/the-alchemist/paulo-coelho-biography>.
"Paulo Coelho Biography." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television. n.p. Web. 27 Feb. 2016.<http://www.biography.com/people/paulo-coelho-5524>.