Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian author and one of the most successful writers of our time. His works have been translated into 81 languages and have sold more than 225 million copies worldwide, making him one of the best-selling authors in history. Born on August 24, 1947, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Coelho had a difficult childhood and adolescence, marked by poverty, rebellion, and a struggle with mental illness.

Coelho’s passion for writing began at a young age, and he was encouraged by his parents to pursue his dreams. However, he dropped out of law school and began traveling, exploring different spiritual traditions and experimenting with drugs. In the 1970s, he became involved with the counterculture movement in Brazil and wrote songs for famous musicians such as Elis Regina and Rita Lee.

In 1982, Coelho published his first book, “Hell Archives,” a collection of short stories based on his experiences in a mental institution. However, it was his second book, “The Alchemist,” published in 1988, that made him an international bestseller. The book, a fable about a shepherd boy who travels to Egypt in search of treasure, has sold over 150 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 80 languages.

Since then, Coelho has published numerous works, including “Brida,” “Veronika Decides to Die,” “The Valkyries,” “By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept,” “The Devil and Miss Prym,” “The Zahir,” and “Eleven Minutes.” His books often deal with spiritual themes, such as self-discovery, love, and the search for meaning in life.

Coelho has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum, the Golden Book Award from the Yugoslav Academy of Sciences and Arts, and the Cross of Honour for Science and Art from the government of Austria. He is also a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters, and in 2016, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

Despite his immense success, Coelho remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to write every day, often waking up at 6 am to work on his latest projects. His life story and his dedication to his craft have inspired millions of readers around the world to follow their dreams and pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles they face.