The boy didn't know what a person's "destiny" was.
"It's what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their
destiny is."
"At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream,
and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a
mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their destiny."
"It's a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your destiny. It prepares
your spirit and your will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is
that you do, when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the
universe. It's your mission on earth."
"Even when all you want to do is travel? Or marry the daughter of a textile merchant?"
"Yes, or even search for treasure. The Soul of the World is nourished by people's happiness. And also
by unhappiness, envy, and jealousy. To realize one's destiny is a person's only real obligation. All things
are one.
"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
"If you start out by promising what you don't even have yet, you'll lose your desire to work toward getting it."
He had to choose between something he had become accustomed to and something he wanted to have.
The boy felt jealous of the freedom of the wind, and saw that he could have the same freedom. There was nothing to hold him back except himself.
*from The Alchemist.
