Paulo Coelho Explains Why Courage Is The Most Important Spiritual Quality (VIDEO)

The Most Important Quality You Need To Be Spiritual

A strong connection with God, an aptitude for meditation, a total lack of ego -- these are just a few of the qualities many people assume they must first possess in order to be considered "spiritual." While the concept of spirituality may be complex, Brazilian author Paulo Coelho says there is one singular characteristic that unites those at its forefront.

As the author of The Alchemist, the best-seller that broke the world record for book most translated by a living author, Coelho writes about heart, soul and spirit through the profound journey of a shepherd boy. During his first-ever interview to air on American television, Coelho talks to Oprah about the enduring themes in his book and explains that you don't even have to hold a belief in God to be spiritual. All you must possess, he says, is courage.

"Courage is the first spiritual quality that you need to have," Coelho tells Oprah.

Regardless of one's background, upbringing, religion, ethnicity, gender or experiences, courage is a quality that anyone, anywhere can not only understand, but also embody. As Coelho writes in The Alchemist, courage "is the quality most essential to understanding the language of the world."

Oprah reads this passage aloud in the above video and asks Coelho an important question. "How do we become fluent in the language of the world?" she poses.

"By daring," Coelho answers firmly. "By daring. If you don't fear the unknown, the unknown will be kind to you."

The second part of Oprah's interview with Paulo Coelho airs on "Super Soul Sunday" this weekend, September 14, at 11 a.m. ET on OWN.

Before You Go

Quotes From SuperSoul Sunday

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot