Signpost: Words of the Wiser - Page 34 The man who introduces himself to Santiago as Melchizedek, gives so much wisdom to Santiago including how to find his path in life, and how to find true happiness. Santiago learns that you have to look around and enjoy life, while still balancing the things that are important to you. Melchizedek teaches Santiago that he has not realized his true goal in life yet, and reached where he truly wants to be. He has simply been living on a whim, doing as he pleased, almost forgetting that he can have a bigger dream than being a simple shepherd for all of his life. Melchizedek convinced him to take action and follow his dreams. Signpost: Tough Questions - Page 45 All of the money that Santiago has, which is almost everything he has to his name, is stolen from him by a boy who convinces him that he is trying to help Santiago. He has a choice at this point, whether he should give up on his dream or think of it as a way to grow. ...