The Seer's Philosophy of the Present

The Alchemist

The seer's teaching that the future is best left unknown, and that one should focus on improving the present moment.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Camel Driver's ConsultationThe Camel Driver's Consultation
The Seer's Advice The Question Why do you want to know the future? The camel driver wanted to prepare. The Seer's Answer If good things come, they will be a pleasant surprise. If bad, you will suffer twice. The Secret The secret is in the present. Improve the present, and the future will be better. The Lesson This becomes the camel driver's philosophy.
The Seer's Refusal to Cast the TwigsThe Seer's Refusal to Cast the Twigs
The Wise Decision The Tools He had twigs for divination, but he did not use them. The Reason God only reveals the future under extraordinary circumstances, and only when it is written to be altered. The Application He chose not to reveal the future. The camel driver had to live in the present.
The Seer's Teaching Applied by the Camel DriverThe Seer's Teaching Applied by the Camel Driver
Living in the Now The Camel Driver's Practice He eats when eating, walks when walking. He is not afraid of the war. The Outcome He is happy. He has found peace. The Influence on Santiago Santiago learns to appreciate the present moment. This helps him later.
The Seer's Wisdom in the OasisThe Seer's Wisdom in the Oasis
The Seer's Principle Confirmed The Vision Santiago sees the future. He acts to change it, exactly as the seer said. The Success The oasis is saved. The future was revealed to be altered. The Seer's Legacy His philosophy is validated. The present can be improved.
before the flood, retold
during the same consultation
during the caravan
when Santiago warns the chieftains