Relation to The Alchemist? What do I need to know about the World's Greatest Lie to understand the book?

In The Alchemist, the old man or King of Salem speaks of this philosophy to advise him that he never loses control of his own life. This allows Santiago to continue to pursue his Personal Legend using his will and determination, and to never give up and allow "fate" which does not exist to guide you. It allows Santiago to pursue his Personal Dream following omens and using his own mind. Santiago is tempted to let fate control his life sometimes yet he uses his knowledge and takes control. In Tangier when he is stolen from at the marker, he decides to return to being a shepherd and he begins to want to let fate take him back to his old life. The crystal merchant sets him back on the correct path. After this occurrence he is always confident in his decisions, he never gives up on his Personal Legend, and he follows the omens back to the place where he least expected his treasure to be, under the sycamore tree in Andalusia next to the destroyed abandoned Church where the story began. All readers must understand this concept that drives Santiago to his heart to lead him, not fate. This allows him to continue his journey, and find his treasure. Keep this in mind when you are reading the brilliant, inspiring fable, The Alchemist.