In The Alchemist, "maktub" translates to "it is written," signifying fate or destiny. This concept, rooted in the belief that one's destiny is predetermined by higher powers, is frequently invoked to emphasize that life's events are preordained. Santiago, the protagonist, encounters the term through various characters who reinforce that his life's path, including his personal legend and the pursuit of his dreams, is destined and thus inevitable.

In The Alchemist, Melchizedek considers "the world's great lie" to be the belief that we lose control of our lives and become governed by fate. He tells Santiago that this lie prevents people from striving to achieve their goals, as they mistakenly believe they lack free will and cannot shape their own destinies.

The alchemist's philosophy emphasizes personal potential, self-transformation, and following one's dreams. He advocates for individuals to recognize and work towards their goals, rejecting predetermination and encouraging ownership of personal identity. Alchemy symbolizes transformation, not just of metals but of oneself. He promotes following intuition and paying attention to omens. Life is seen as a transformative journey, where pursuing Personal Legends and embracing change are essential for finding meaning and purpose.

The King of Salem advises Santiago to pursue his Personal Legend to achieve true happiness. He emphasizes that desires originate from the soul of the universe and following them is one's mission on earth. The King warns against straying from one's dreams and gives Santiago two magical stones, Urim and Thummim, to help interpret omens. The stones are meant to guide him when he feels lost, ensuring he stays on his path to happiness.

The alchemist tells Santiago the story of the two sons to illustrate that every person, regardless of their apparent significance, can make a profound impact on the world. The story emphasizes the centurion's faith and humility, showing that even the seemingly unlikely individuals play central roles in history. This reassures Santiago of his potential to achieve great things by following his Personal Legend.

In The Alchemist, the "mysterious force" Melchizedek refers to is the universal energy that helps individuals achieve their Personal Legend when everything is in harmony. It represents the synchronicity that leads to the fulfillment of dreams and desires. Additionally, there is another mysterious force that obscures one's Personal Legend, often attributed to societal expectations, which clouds personal visions and dreams known since childhood.

In The Alchemist, the crystal merchant justifies not undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca by explaining that the dream of visiting the holy city motivates him to continue living. He fears that achieving this dream might lead to disappointment and leave him without purpose. The merchant prefers to keep Mecca as a distant aspiration. This resonates with the boy, who understands the value of maintaining dreams as motivation.

According to the old man, "the secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon."

In The Alchemist, the Soul of the World is nourished by human emotions such as happiness, unhappiness, envy, and jealousy. It is a universal force that connects all things and is considered part of God's soul and our own. The Soul of the World helps individuals pursue their Personal Legend, a journey that is crucial for personal fulfillment. Santiago learns that true understanding comes from this connection, emphasizing the journey over the destination.

Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist is a story of a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Santiago learns along the way about friendship, love and his Personal Legend, which guides him to his ultimate treasure—a realisation of what is truly important in life. In summary, Coelho has written The Alchemist with many Christian themes that resonate with the reader. His protagonist is guided by signs (omens) and divine intervention throughout his adventures in Egypt, where he gains wisdom about life through these experiences. He learns that he must have faith and will succeed if he follows God’s plan for him.