Fate/destiny is another theme in the book. Dan Millman and Mama Chia find one another because they are destined to. In 1967, Dan's teacher and Mama Chia's one-time love, Socrates, writes her to expect him, but with no more detail than that Dan is too hard on himself and predicting he will be excitable as she nourishes the seeds that Socrates has sown. Socrates has helped clear away some deep illusions, made Dan aware that he is sleeping, and has previewed "coming attractions," but could not yet awaken Dan. The foundation Socrates has laid is shown by Dan finding Mama Chia in Honolulu five years later.