Part Seven

Coelho talks about his idea of the Final Judgement, from Matthew's Gospel, after recalling a painting of the scene.

In wondering what questions would be asked in order to determine who will go to Heaven, Coelho thinks the only question would be: "Did you love enough?" As the basis of our lives, he says love justifies our existence.

For example, after being sent to a mental institute at the age of seventeen by his parents (see also Part four), Coelho did not see this as a punishment. Rather, he saw it as a manifestation of his parents' love for him: they sent him away in order to protect him.

Later, his parents thanked him for persevering with his dreams despite their reactions, because his achieving his dreams had benefited them too.