Societal expectations of financial stability have caused the crystal merchant to never travel to Mecca, even though it is his dream his life. Other societal expectations also have Santiago telling the crystal merchant that he will buy sheep but in reality he is going in search of his personal legend, because of his fear of failure. Fear of failure is a societal ideology that was taught by his father during his childhood. His father also learned ideology and hence society influenced him to never achieve his life dream. This ideology from his father taught Santiago to doubt himself throughout his Personal Legend. The baker wanted to travel, but the desire to succeed in life, stemming from the societal ideal that success means a fulfilling life, overtook his personal legend. Santiago's life was also influenced by this societal ideal, leading him to have doubts and concerns about his personal legend. Society can and always will influence people's lives, but that doesn't mean you should let it control you.