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Og Mandino shares ten principles through unfolding a story.Β Β The story is of a poor camel boy named Hafid who lived in ancient times.Β He learns of 10 Scrolls that then help him become the “Greatest Salesman of the World” and achieve a life of abundance.Β He shares these ten scrolls (principles) with us.
The Greatest Salesman in the WorldΒ by Og Mandino
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My Review
There is a feeling or raw enthusiasm in this book that I love.Β I also feel a deep undertone of unshakable belief in achieving success at all costs.Β So, the book was enjoyable and I gained something from it.
I must add a disclaimer here, though in all fairness to the original author, I did not put into practice the recommended prescription for success: read each of the scrolls every day for thirty days (that’s 300 days or 10 scrolls x 30 days/scroll).Β So, I can’t comment on whether the scrolls have the power to change one’s life.Β I didn’t put it into practice because I am working on many other prescriptions from other books, and I can’t over-encumber my life with so many good ideas.
In the end, although I liked the book and connected with it’s idea of success plug-and-play scrolls of wisdom, I do not recommend the book.Β If you are seeking Personal Development, there are many books that I think you should read before this one.Β But it was nonetheless entertaining and may well connect magically with some.
Here are some of my more critical comments on the book, that would have been helpful for me to know before I read it:
- Credibility: Why these principles?Β Where’s the credibility?Β Iβm not really sure where the ideas or principles in the scrolls came from β whether some guy just sat down and wrote out what he thought would bring success or whether there was some study or experience.Β I don’t take anything at face value.Β Maybe it’s the lawyer in me, but I want to see the proof, where the ideas came from, whether I can rely on them.Β At first this seemed like just some collection of random, arbitrary “good ideas” with no backing whatsoever.Β The fact that some “fictional” character found success with these principles is not enough for me.Β I really want some real-life proof that these ideas really work.Β I didn’t get that in the book.Β Not to say that the principles don’t work, but there is no evidence either way.
- Story: Why the parable?Β The parable seems to illustrate how to come into possession of secrets of success rather than to illustrate the principles themselves. That is to say, the parable is entertaining rather than instructing.Β The story was distracting in many parts, and contained many unnecessary elements.Β I have seen some personal development works masterfully use story to deliver principles through story that helps the reader comprehend and internalize the concepts.Β The 4 Laws of Financial Prosperity is a good example of this.Β This story not only takes place at the time of Christ, the main character (Spoiler Alert here) comes into contact with Him.Β Although this is a nice thought for those of us who love Christ, it merely distracts from the purpose of the work, in my opinion.Β At least it did for me.Β If there were some example of application of each principle into the life of the main character in a way that we could see it in action, that would have been a much better application of a story.Β Here is was just a fore and after thought.
- Innocence: “Just Believe” seems to be the main force behind the principles and concepts.Β This reminds me of many of the personal development works in the early 1900’s.Β There are many more sophisticated and reliable methods of achieving personal development that will leave you less frustrated with your results.Β For example, the book’s main form of achieving change is reliance on repeating phrases over and over.Β I respect affirmations, declarations, and visualizations, but to repeat archaic text ad nausuem doesn’t seem to be the best format.Β However, I readily admit that it is much better than doing nothing, so… it works.
- Misdirection: There were a few ideas throughout the book that I don’t know if I agree with having read personal development books my whole life.Β One idea is the rejecting of failure.Β The truth is that we are not perfect, and we would be better off learning from and living with failure than running from or trying to avoid failure at all costs.Β This is, of course, my opinion.Β However, I note that the story has many things good to say about failure that I wholeheartedly agree with and support.Β Another example of a concept that didn’t sit right with me was rejection of idleness, which some might take to the extreme and refuse to rest or relax.Β Furthermore, I believe prayer should include more than just asking for “guidance” you may ask for outright blessings, too.Β Which the 10th scroll does ultimately do.
- Secret Answers: It’s not said, but the book presents to the mind that principles of success are hidden and secret and that only a few of the very rich and successful know them, that they keep them to themselves.Β I strongly disagree with this.Β In fact, principles of success is all around us.Β Success leaves clues, and we can ask anyone who is successful to share with us their philosophy, and they readily will.Β It is an unfortunate myth that there are “Secrets of Success” because there are no secrets.
My Notes
You first have a story followed by a list of scrolls (unattached to the story) with a closing story at the end.
The Opening Story
The story starts out with an old Hafid, a very rich man in a big palace.Β Erasmus, his trusted advisor helps him account for his wealth and help him convert his wealth to gold and give to the poor and his managers.
He tells Hafid about his greatest treasure, ten scrolls.Β The first scroll contains information on how to use the others.Β You are to use each scroll in turn to share with the others.
When he got the scrolls, he was made to promise to only share them with one person.Β He would know this person when the person came, and in the meanwhile, he would pass them on to another.
Backstory
The setting is in Jerusalem.Β Hafid was a lowly servant working for the greatest salesman, Pathros.Β Hafid asks his master to learn the principles.Β The master questions him on his motives and then gives him some advice about finding success after struggles and defeats.
Hafidβs master then gives Hafid a job to trade a robe.Β Hafid is not successful.Β Then one night after failing to sell the robe, he stumbles upon the nativity scene with baby Jesus.Β He gives the robe to the sleeping baby.Β When Hafid returned, he related the story to his master.Β His master tells him that he had not failed but that to him it was a successful journey and then invites him to assist with the caravan as camel boy again.
Pathros, the master, soon grows old and summons Hafid to talk to him.Β The old man then tells Hafid a story of how he received scrolls from a previous master, a traveler who he rescued from bandits, who then adopted him into his home.Β This man gave him 10 scrolls, the first scroll contained the principles of learning and the others then contained the principles of success in the art of selling.Β With the scrolls he received some gold pieces and a letter with two instructions: take the gold and apply the learning to start a new life, give half of what he earns to the poor, and to never share this secret except with one who will present himself later in life when he receives a special sign.
Pathros gives to Hafid the chest with scrolls and one-hundred gold talents to purchase rugs to sell.Β There are conditions.Β He must take the chest go to Damascus, get lodging, and then open the first scroll.Β He must swear to follow the instructions on scroll # 1.Β Second condition: dispose of half his earnings to those less fortunate.Β Last condition: may not share the scrolls or the conditions with anyone except one who should appear.Β When he gives the scrolls to that new person, he should not impose any conditionsβthis allows this third person to share the scrolls with the world if he wanted to.Β Hafid leaves with the scrolls.
He goes to the city, finds a room, and sits down to read.
The Scrolls
Mandino composed The Legend Of The Ten Scrolls. They are:
- Scroll I β I will Form Good Habits and Become their Slave
- Scroll II β Greet Each Day With Love In Your Heart
- Scroll III β I Will Persist Until I Succeed
- Scroll IV β I am Natureβs Greatest Miracle
- Scroll V β Live Each Day as if it Were Your Last
- Scroll VI β Master Your Emotions
- Scroll VII β The Power of Laughter
- Scroll VIII β Multiply Your Value Every Day
- Scroll IX β All is Worthless Without Action
- Scroll X β Pray to God for Guidance
Scroll I – I will Form Good Habits and Become their Slave
- Today, I begin a new life
- This part of the scrolls talks about seizing the day (without saying the Latin Phrase Carpe diem).
- Take advantage of the opportunities of today
- What is done today matters most
- Reject failure and use principles
- Experience is overrated β it teaches, but takes too much time
- Applying principles will help you reach the goals in life
- Habits (daily efforts) leads to consistent application of principles
- Good habits are the key to all success
- Habits
- All men have habits
- If you must be a slave to habits, be a slave to good habits
- Habits determine your future and steer your course
- How to leverage habits
- Replace bad habits with good ones
- Carefully be aware of and choose your habits
- Apply habits to the scrolls
- Read the words of the scrolls throughout the day
- Repeat each scroll in turn for 30 days each
- The Benefits of applying the scroll habits
- Repeating the scrolls daily
- Writes the contents of the scroll on your inner mind
- Your inner mind then steers your
- Responses and
- Actions
- Your actions determine your results
- Affirmations
- The scrolls contain various affirmations to strengthen this concept
- All men have habits
Scroll II – Greet Each Day With Love In Your Heart
- I will greet this day with LOVE in my hear
- Love is my greatest weapon
- Love will soften hearts
- How to greet with love
- Look on all things with love
- Find the greatness in everything good and bad β everything has something to admire
- Encourage, applaud, hold your tongue, praise
- What not to do: criticize, tear down, gossip, think evil, etc.
- Focus on the good and celebrate the admirable qualities in others β everyone has admirable qualities
- Love everyone for all that is good in them
- React to the actions of others with love
- Use love as a shield as well as a weapon
- Great others
- In words of silence in my mind, say, βI love you.β
- Their heats will feel my love
- Love myself
- Take care of body, mind, soul, and heat
- Keep body clean and healthy
- Keep mind clean and uplifted
- Keep soul pure and bright
- Affirmations
- Only time to love
- Love will increase sales
- Love alone will replace any lack of qualities and skill
Scroll III – I Will Persist Until I Succeed
- I will persist until I succeed
- Bulls in the Orient
- Bulls charge regardless of whether they are stung, they continue to charge forward
- If I keep charging forward, I will succeed
- Lifeβs prizes are at the end β I will continue until I reach my goal
- Always take another step
- One step at a time is not too difficult
- Small attempts, repeated will complete any undertaking
- Slight edge daily seemingly insignificant efforts reap big rewards
- Remove βfailure and quittingβ language from vocabulary and thoughts
- Think on success, focus on the goal
- Each failure will increase your chance of success
- Must fail often to succeed only once
- Each obstacle is a mere detour
- Persist
- When going gets tough, take one more step
- Never end a day with a failure
- If I persist long enough, I will win
Scroll IV – I am Nature’s Greatest Miracle
- I am natureβs greatest miracle
- I am unique
- There has never been another exactly like me
- I have a flame, drive, and passion
- I have unique set of talents
- My differences are special and valuable
- I do not copy others
- I am proud of the differences
- I am valuable
- I have unlimited potential
- I tap into my potential and accomplish far more than I have done
- I have a purpose
- My purpose is to grow and progress
- I increase my knowledge and skill and talents
- I improve myself, manners, people skillsβ¦
- I focus on the moment
- I focus on what I am doing at the moment
- When in the market, I focus on the market. When at home, I focus on home.
- I am positive
- I see all obstacles as opportunities
- I see the good in each situation and each person
Scroll V – Live Each Day as if it Were Your Last
- I will live this day as if it were the last
- I will not waste a moment
- Not spend time thinking about yesterday
- Not spend time dreaming of tomorrow
- Today is the time that I have
- I feel grateful for having today
- I see today as an opportunity
- I will cherish each hour
- Once gone, it cannot be called back
- Today is all we have
- Your days are priceless and cannot be purchased β must be used
- I do not court idleness
- Idleness is wasteful
- I will take advantage of opportunities today
- I will enjoy the day
- I will spend time with family
- I will only trade each minute for something of value
- I will make sure I use my time for the greatest value
Scroll VI – Master Your Emotions
- I recognize my emotions and moods will rise and fall
- My sadness can be the seed of tomorrowβs joy
- I will make my own weather
- I create good emotions, and bring that mood and emotions to my customers
- I will master my emotions
- I will take physical efforts to change the inward weather
- When I awake, I focus on gratitude and joy
- If I feel down, I will sing, laugh, do or think of something happy
- If I am tired, I will rev up my body with diligent work
- β¦
- I will do those things that will create the desired emotion
- I recognize Iβm not always at my best
- Some days, I will have sadness or despair
- I accept those, donβt focus or feed them, and focus on the good
- Likewise, when I am feeling too good, proud, or overly confident
- I remember times when I was down
- I put things into perspective
- I make allowances for the emotions of others
- Others also have emotions
- Their emotions, like mine, ebb and flow, come and go
- I live and let live, and give people room to be human
- I make allowances, forgive, and love unconditionally
- I will control whatever personality emerges on that day
Scroll VII – The Power of Laughter
- Only man can laugh
- My laughter improves my world
- My health, digestion, and outlook improve β I heal
- I put things in perspective β see my concerns as part of a larger picture
- Accept humility and humanity as part of me
- Words to remember: βThis too shall passβ
- These will help me keep things in balance
- Help me remember the trials will pass
- And remember even some good things shall pass (enjoy them today)
- Choose always happiness over sadness
- When the choice is before me
- Happiness can be born of a mere choice
- Lean in the direction of happiness
- Laughter
- Puts failures in their place
- Increases goodness and progression
- Improves relationships
- Happiness is linked to gratitude
- Enjoyment follows laughter and happiness
Scroll VIII – Multiply Your Value Every Day
- Today, I will multiply my value a hundred-fold
- The Genius of man
- Inanimate objects, when touched with the genius of man become amazing things
- If I use that same genius on developing myself, I can become amazing things
- 3 Futures of a Grain of Wheat
- Made into swine feed
- Feed man
- Can be planted to multiply a thousand-fold
- Man is like wheat except man can choose to multiply
- How to multiply
- Nurture my body and mind
- Need not wait
- Set goals for day, month, year β have objectives
- Look at past performances and set the goals higher
- I may meet difficulties in the rise and fall of life β I will go forward
- Focus
- I will not worry about
- Things that happened yesterday
- Big worrying obstacles in the future
- What others are achieving
- Just focus on today and set goals for tomorrow
- I will not worry about
- I announce my goals to others
- They may laugh, but they will know my plans
- Thus, I am committed to going forward
- I will set my sights high
- Not set low goals
- Set out to progress upward from where I am
- Nurture my body and mind
Scroll IX – All is Worthless Without Action
- I will act now
- Without action
- Dreams, plans, and goals are worthless
- Maps without action are not helpful
- Action
- Ignites plans into a living force
- Is the food that brings life to my dreams
- Procrastination (not acting now)
- Procrastination is born of fear
- To conquer fear, must act without hesitation
- Fireflies glow when they fly
- My light will shine when I act
- I will let my light shine
- There are only todays
- I wonβt avoid the tasks of today
- Without todayβs action, all fruit will die on the vine
- Now is all I have
- How will I do it?
- Habit & Mind Conditioning
- Repeat the words over and over every day
- Change my behavior
- Motivate my action
- When I face hesitation or procrastination
- I will say these words and find courage in them
- Me and the Failure
- My acting now separates me from the failure
- I hunger for success
- I take advantage of the opportunity now
- This is the time and place and I am the man
- Habit & Mind Conditioning
Scroll X – Pray to God for Guidance
- Natural Instinct
- Who has not cried to God when trouble arises?
- Any creature cries out for help when in trouble
- God is there, and all in existence cries to him when in trouble
- Donβt need to be religious to observe this natural occurrence
- These cries are a form of prayer
- I pray for guidance
- Whether in need of help or desiring progression, I can pray
- I ask for help β not for handouts or entitlements
- God is not my servant, I am His
- He blesses me because He loves me
- Answers
- Whether the guidance comes or doesnβt come, those are answers
- Ogβs Recommended Prayer
- Address
- Acknowledge humility
- Ask for guidance
- Ask for β¦ love, humility, victory, challenges, success, temperament, courage, laughter, long life, productivity, gratitude, good words, persistence, law of averages, alertness, observation, patience, good habits, compassion, knowledge that all things shall pass, guidance, help, instruction
- Special place for me
Chapter 18.Β The End of the Story
Hafid sat and waited after he disposed of his wealth three years.Β A stranger appeared and requested to speak to the master.Β He asks if Hafid is the Greatest Salesman of the World.Β The man was Saul now called Paul.Β Paul comes to Hafid for guidance.Β Paul tells Hafid his story, it is the Bible story of the Apostle Paul.
Paul then asks Hafid, the Greatest Salesman of the World, to help him βSellβ the word of God to the people.Β Paul tells Hafid of Jesus, his teachings, and his miracles.Β He tells Hafid of the birth of Jesus, and Hafid then learns of how many years ago he gave that robe to Jesus.Β Hafid asks Arasmus to retrive the chest of scrolls supposedly to give to Paul, the next Greatest Salesman of the World.
The End
The Greatest Salesman in the WorldΒ by Og Mandino
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