Paulo Coelho is a famous Brazilian writer who was born on August 25, 1947 in Rio de Janeiro.

He studied law but dropped out in 1970 to travel to Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Europe and North Africa. Two years later he returned to Brazil and began writing lyrics for music.

He was briefly imprisoned in 1974 for subversive activities against the Brazilian dictatorship.

Many of his works have a special and mystical atmosphere, while a very common theme is dedication to a goal and the achievement of dreams. He has sold over 320 million books worldwide and his works have been translated into thirty-eight languages.

He has been awarded several literary awards from various countries, including a nomination for the prestigious IMPAC Dublin International Literary Award for “Veronika Decides to Die”.

His work The Alchemist (novel) is on the list of books with more than 100 million copies.

His other well-known works are: The Valkyries, The Fifth Mountain, The Devil and Miss Prym, Eleven Minutes, The Witch of Portobello and dozens more.

His quotes are as amazing as his works:

• You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it’s better to listen to what it has to say. 
• Every blessing ignored becomes a curse. 
• Never stop dreaming. 
• When I had nothing to lose, I had everything. When I stopped being who I am, I found myself.
• Nothing in the world is ever completely wrong. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day. 
• The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them. 
• Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy. 

and many more where it is impossible to mention them all in the limited space we have.
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