The Alchemist

It's what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their personal legend 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 personal Legend.
...
There was no need to imprison them: the arabs simply confiscated their horses. So, once again, the world had demonstrated its many languages: the desert only moments ago had been endless and free, and now it was an impenetratable wall.

The Alchemist

Paulo Coelho