How we cite our quotes: (Part.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"What's the world's greatest lie?" the boy asked, completely surprised.
"It's this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie." (1.83-84)
When Melchizedek sees the book that Santiago is reading (we're pretty sure it's Dr. Zhivago), he says that it's irritating: it portrays its characters as helpless against the tide of history. The old man's message is that everyone can control their own lives and reach their goals, regardless of their circumstances. Here, anyone missing a pair of bootstraps?
Quote #2
"They wanted me to be a priest, but I decided to become a shepherd." (1.85)
By defying his parents, Santiago is showing that he is not one of the sheep-like people who just do what people expect of him. He's already taken a first step toward taking control of his own life, by following his dream to travel. (Also, Brain Snack: Jesus is often symbolically referred to as a shepherd, and priests have "flocks," so … good job escaping your destiny, Santiago. Not.)
Quote #3
"[. . . T]here is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It's your mission on earth." (1.115)
Hm. Things are starting to get tricky here. First Melchizedek said that fate doesn't control people. Now he's saying that your desires aren't really your own, but come from the universe. So does that mean we're fated to want what we want? Doesn't that leave us out of control?