In The alchemist, the king makes a claim that everyone believes the worlds greatest lie, that at a certain point we lose control of what's happening to us and our lives. What are some examples that support or refute the kings claim, either from books or other sources of presumed wisdom in the book.

When the King of Salem, Melchizedek, is offering Santiago advice, he identifies fear as a common obstacle that many encounter on their spiritual journey. The fear of having nothing left to live for after achieving union with the Soul of the World holds many back from seeking the real alchemy available to them. The theology of the alchemists is based on the idea that personal legends are the driving and unifying force that binds the universe together. The mistake that people make is believing that they only get one personal legend or one opportunity to transform. The core of the story teaches the reader that this is the myth that human beings must put aside. Santiago is able to transform from a shepherd to a spiritual seeker, to a man in love, to the wind itself. If we are held back by the belief that when we lose control we lose ourselves, then we will never be able to achieve union with the Soul of the World.

The overriding theme of the book is that we all have the ability to choose our own destiny in this world. The lie that King Melchizedek refers to is the belief that fate predetermines and controls each and every aspect of our lives. Among other things, this lie holds us back by preventing us from pursuing our own Personal Legends. Take the example of the crystal merchant. He has always dreamed of making the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. But he has never actually done anything to make his dream come true. Instead, he spends his whole life in a comfort zone unable or unwilling to venture out into the big wide world and make things happen. This is what a belief in the power of fate can do to people; it keeps them in a state of paralysis, preventing them from following their true path in life.