How do Santiago's thoughts and perceptions about himself and the world begin to change? Describe three things that Santiago sees now that he had never noticed before.

One of the themes of this story is the ever changing river of life. Once Santiago realizes that life is in constant flux, he begins to react to specific events differently.Away from simply herding sheep all day, Santiago meets people and goes to places that become part of his personal journey. He realizes that all these events and people hold meaning. Each event he experiences and person he meets, gives Santiago the tools to see things in different ways and pursue is personal quest.