What are some of the life lessons Santiago has learned through action in Paulo Coelho's novel, The Alchemist?

In the novel, The Alchemist, by Paulo
Coelho, Santiago learns a great many lessons. Santiago, a young shepherd, leaves his
sheep to pursue his Personal Legend—the course of his destiny. He also learns to listen
to the Language of the World.

The young boy, with the
guidance of an old king, learns that there are omens everywhere, and that by paying
attention to these omens, he will be able to learn what he is meant to accomplish during
his life. This is his Personal Legend. When he goes on his dangerous trip across the
desert, he finds more than one kind of treasure.

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She smiled, and that was certainly an omen—the
omen he had been awaiting, without even knowing he was, for all his
life.

Santiago also learns to
listen to nature, and watch for signs (omens) there: that in every aspect of the natural
world, the earth is attempting to communicate its secrets if people will only
listen.

The
stranger continued to hold the sword at the boy's forehead. 'Why did you read the flight
of the birds?'

'I read only what the birds wanted to tell
me. They wanted to save the
oasis.'

This novel is one
that resonates with a great many people. It encourages the reader, through Santiago's
story, to search for a meaning to one's own life. Santiago's life lessons can speak to
people regardless of their "journey."