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Finally there are those who saw at once that the question…

“Finally there are those who saw at once that the question was a trap. There is no answer. Instead of wasting time grappling with that trap. They decide to act. They look to their childhood and look for what filled them with enthusiasm then and disregarding the advice of their elders, devote their…” quote by Paolo Coelho
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““Finally there are those who saw at once that the question was a trap. There is no answer. Instead of wasting time grappling with that trap. They decide to act. They look to their childhood and look for what filled them with enthusiasm then and disregarding the advice of their elders, devote their life to it. Because enthusiasm is the sacred fire. They slowly discover, their actions are linked to a mysterious impulse beyond human knowledge. And they bow their heads as a sign of respect for that mystery and pray that they will not be diverted from a path they do not know, a path which they have chosen to travel because of the flame burning in their hearts. They use their intuition when they can and resort to discipline when intuition fails them. They seem quite mad. And sometimes they behave like mad people. But they are not mad. They have discovered true love and will. And those two things reveal the goal and the direction that they should follow. Their will is crystalline, their love is pure and their steps determined. In moments of doubt or sadness they never forget: I am an instrument, allow me to be an instrument capable of manifesting your will. They have chosen their road, and they may understand what their goal is only when they find themselves before the unwanted visitor. That is the beauty of the person who continues onward with enthusiasm and respect for the mystery of life as his only guide. His road is beautiful, and his burden light. The goal will be large or small, it can be far away or right next door. He goes in search of it with respect and honor. He knows what each step means, and how much it costs in effort and training and intuition. He focuses not just on the goal to be reached but on everything happening around him. He often has to stop because his strength fails him. At such moments, love appears and says: You think you're heading toward a specific point, but the whole justification for the goals existence lies in your love for it. Rest a little. But as soon as you can, get up and carry on. Because ever since your goal found out that you were traveling toward it, it has been running to meet you.””

Paolo Coelho

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage urges following inner enthusiasm and love as guides, blending intuition with discipline, and respecting life's mystery while staying committed to a self‑chosen path.

In simple terms: Follow your inner fire and love, balancing intuition and discipline.

Key Takeaway

Trust your passion and act with purpose.

Themes

purpose enthusiasm intuition discipline spirituality

Mood

hopeful reflective determined

Type

philosophical inspirational motivational

When to use this quote

  • career choice
  • creative projects
  • personal growth
  • overcoming doubt
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

self‑actualization inner fire mission respect for mystery

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance intuition with practical planning?
  • What does “respect for mystery” mean in daily life?
A Different Perspective

May become overly idealistic, ignoring practical constraints.

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