Why do you think he made the choice to leave the seminary after learning to read and write?

Santiago felt unfulfilled: he didn't feel a calling. Santiagi craved freedom. Santiago's lifestyle as a shepherd has provided him with a lot of freedom. All he has to do is allow his sheep to lead the way for a while and he will always find a new path. The difference between him and the sheep, though, is that the sheep never know they are on a new path. Once again, all they think about is food and water. Santiago realizes that dreaming about what you don't have is what makes life interesting.